The officers had contended that between 1986 and 1989 they were forced to have abortions or accept undesirable assignments to keep their jobs.

The officers contended that the events in the capital were misinterpreted by observers, as "there was no coup."

But the officers have contended that Mr. Diallo did not fall until many of the bullets had hit him.

Local business leaders and correctional officers had contended that the prison would create jobs and invigorate the local economy.

Such sanctions imperil their jobs and diminish their chances for promotion, black officers contend.

Senior military officers contend the rebels are out to take power and establish a narco-Communist state, and they brand human rights workers as guerrillas.

But medical officers contend that they will be treating more Iraqi than American wounded.

The officers contended that the department's entrance exam, which had been intentionally designed to minimize adverse impact on black candidates, discriminated against them.

French officers contend that they are being aggressive, but are handicapped because their entire force has not yet arrived in Kosovo.

Some officers contended it did not sufficiently account for terrain or the capabilities of the United States military.