51.  A poll of Moscow and six other regions showed that Russians recognize the importance of Chechnya, but worry about the consequences of armed force.

52.  A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said an armed force of Pashtuns were moving against the Taliban near Kandahar.

53.  Allied terms for peace include an armed peacekeeping force in Kosovo province, an end to atrocities against ethnic Albanian civilians, autonomy and the return of all refugees.

54.  An alliance of radical Kosovo Albanian parties expressed full support Wednesday for the pro-independence armed force, the Kosovo Liberation Army, and suggested that fighting may re-escalate.

55.  Annan noted that Milosevic, who at first rejected any foreign force in Yugoslavia, was now talking about allowing a lightly armed U.N. force.

56.  Anti-Israel guerrillas have been the most visible armed force in the region since the Israelis left.

57.  As EU foreign ministers opened a two-day meeting, however, significant disagreement emerged on whether to send an armed force.

58.  Before the talks ended, Foreign Ministry spokesman Nebojsa Vujovic said Belgrade was standing firm in rejecting any armed peacekeeping force.

59.  Before the talks ended, a Yugoslav official said Belgrade was standing firm in rejecting a key NATO demand -- an armed peacekeeping force for Kosovo province.

60.  Bosnian army officials have claimed they can defend the area, but they are surrounded by better armed Serb forces.