1.   A source familiar with the preliminary tests who spoke on condition anonymity said the substance could have been a plastic explosive.

2.   Among the injured were three children, the officer said speaking on customary condition anonymity.

3.   As the helicopters provided cover, soldiers moved in to engage rebels positioned in the hills, said witnesses, all speaking on the condition anonymity.

4.   Communist Party leader Robert Hue called Jospin Wednesday to formally confirm the Communists wanted to take part in the new government, a Jospin aide said on condition anonymity.

5.   The official, who spoke on condition anonymity, did not give any details.