31.   The republic was hard hit, its airports, radar stations, and military compounds battered.

32.   The republic was moving toward democracy.

33.   Those four republics are now the nations of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia and Slovenia.

34.   U.S. officials predict an eventual improvement in the business environment, and say the republic is simply slow to change.

35.   When the republic is in danger, there is always an immediate rally-round-the-flag effect.

36.   Additionally, the two republics were under an international trade embargo for more than three years for their role in fomenting the Yugoslav conflict.

37.   Although the breakaway republic was largely calm during the weekend, rebels opened fire on Russian troops seven times since Saturday, government forces said Sunday.

38.   Before Russia invaded Chechnya in December, the republic was a major center for money laundering, counterfeiting, and embezzlement.

39.   Both republics are adjacent to Chechnya, where separatist rebels have been fighting Russian troops.