1.   All three major nationwide television channels now prefer to cover the lifting operation and stay away from delving into what happened a year ago.

2.   Being in the right position over the Kursk is essential for the computer-controlled lifting operation, Navrotsky said.

3.   It is cutting off the mangled fore section first because officials say it may contain unexploded torpedoes and may threaten the lifting operation.

4.   Russian officials insist there is no risk that the reactors will be damaged in the risky lifting operation, scheduled for mid-September.

5.   Several such anchors have been placed around the Kursk to steady it for the lifting operation.

6.   The disfigured fore section is being cut off because officials say it may contain unexploded torpedoes and may threaten the lifting operation.

7.   The harsh weather in the region north of the arctic port of Murmansk was one of many risks that critics cited in opposing the costly lifting operation.

8.   The harsh weather in the region north of the Russian port of Murmansk was one of many risks that critics cited in opposing the costly lifting operation.

9.   Though the site is in international waters, Russian officials had earlier warned that Norwegian monitoring equipment could interfere with the Russian-led lifting operation.