31.   The declaration was read by a separatist leader, Thaha Alhamid, to wild cheers at the gathering in Jayapura, the provincial capital.

32.   There is no other separatist leader in sight capable of unifying the historically fractious movement, as Bouchard did for so long.

33.   These ballots infuriate separatist leaders.

34.   Other Chechen separatist leaders have denied any involvement in the bombings.

35.   Other challengers included Mouldi Basnukayev, backed by deputy premier Shamil Basayev, and separatist leader Yakub Usmanov.

36.   Police said they believed a prominent separatist leader, Shabir Siddiqui, was among the dead.

37.   Other top candidates include separatist leader Zelimkhan Yandarbiyev, his security adviser Akhmed Zakayev, former deputy prime minister Movladi Udugov and field commander Shamil Basayev.

38.   Prime Minister Jean Chretien, in a nationally televised address, appealed for reconciliation and asked separatist leaders to work with him in pursuing political change.

39.   Quebec separatist leader Lucien Bouchard has his left leg amputated after being attacked by a strain of flesh-eating bacteria, doctors say Friday.

40.   A bout of appendicitis has forced the Chechen separatist leader Zelimkhan Yandarbiyev to postpone his scheduled trip to Moscow, rebel officials said Monday.