41.   Belarussian authorities Thursday accused balloon race organisers of ignoring security rules that could have prevented the death of two balloonists shot down by air defence forces.

42.   But he said defence forces regarded such operations as a welcome change from normal training routines and approached the task enthusiastically.

43.   Bullimore gave his effusive thanks to the defence forces, particularly the crew of the Adelaide who he said had given him extra special treatment.

44.   But he said part of its commitment was to ensure that its defence forces were ready to meet any new challenges that may arise.

45.   But no progress has been reported on the planned demobilisation of the rival armies and the formation of a new joint defence force in the sprawling southern African country.

46.   Conservatives have meanhwile pushed for a constitutional revision to make the emperor head of state and to explicitly allow defence forces.

47.   Deputy Defence Minister Ronnie Kasrils, meanwhile, told SAPA he has no knowledge of plans by the defence force to delay its submission to the commission.

48.   Defence forces from the member nations will act both as defenders and aggressors during the exercise.

49.   Discussions are currently under way in Luanda on the share-out of senior responsibilities in the defence force.

50.   The police will still be responsible for crime intelligence while the defence force will also retain its intelligence directorate in order to identify military threats.