51.   Base commander Colonel David Spaulding said a number of options were being considered, including turning the entire base over to a private contractor.

52.   Dhillion said Rashid Ahmad Lone, a divisional commander of the pro-Pakistan Hizbul Mujahideen rebel outfit, and base commander Manzoor Wani were among the those being held.

53.   Perry, accompanied by Chief of Staff of the US Armed Forces General John Shalikashvili, was met by the US base commander Colonel Charles Watt.

54.   The base commander, Polish General Joseph Chmiel, held talks with local Serb military officials for two hours Tuesday and persuaded them to lift the blockade.