31.   By midday the shelling was sporadic and Taliban fighters took tea breaks, while others gathered on rooftops for a better view of the fighting up ahead.

32.   By midday, the shelling was so heavy that Chechen defenders could no longer leave or enter the palace.

33.   Cross-border shelling is common in the volatile region.

34.   Earlier reports said there was heavy shelling Wednesday, apparently from the government side.

35.   He said the shelling was the Serbs way of showing Canadians they can be hit if the Serbs wish.

36.   Hicks said the shelling was the first in the area in about two weeks.

37.   However, there was intense shelling also in the Kaksar sector, where some of the withdrawals were to have been taking place.

38.   In an interview with The Associated Press this week, former Prime Minister Shimon Peres insisted that the shelling was accidental.

39.   India says the shelling has been to prevent attacks by Pakistan-based insurgents.

40.   Interfax said there was heavy shelling by the Russians of Chechen-held positions in the southwestern part of the wrecked capital.