31.   The attack occurred amid a sharp increase in artillery exchanges between government troops and Bosnian Serb rebels in the western part of the besieged Bosnian capital.

32.   The attack Saturday occurred amid an upsurge in violence on the last active Arab-Israeli warfront.

33.   The bombings occurred amid new army sweeps against militants and a series of attacks pointing to a militant offensive.

34.   The fall occurred amid general public alarm about the nationalization of two commercial banks with bad debts, and widespread rumors that more commercial banks will collapse.

35.   The deaths occurred amid Israeli air and artillery attacks, which resumed in the morning after an overnight lull.

36.   The incident occurred amid continued political tensions in this South American nation.

37.   The incident occurred amid growing concern over the safety of peacekeeping troops.

38.   The incident occurred amid new diplomatic efforts toward a peace settlement.

39.   The incident occurred amid a stall in inter-Korean reconciliation efforts.

40.   The incident occurred amid growing concern over the safety of the peacekeeping troops.