United Nations officials here say the rebels have closed down the border, but the rebels deny that.

The rebels also deny receiving any foreign support in the form of weapons.

Chechen rebels have denied the reports, but at least one rebel Web site, www.chechenpress.com, suggested tonight that they may be true.

But the rebels, in a communique broadcast on their clandestine radio, denied that.

But the rebels have denied any knowledge of survivors.

But Albanian rebels denied that they had fired the shells, as did the government.

The rebels denied the accusations, saying the government was looking for an excuse to undermine the talks.

Chechen rebels have denied any role in the bombings.

The rebels, from their exile headquarters in Lisbon, have denied the accusations.

The rebels have adamantly denied it, saying they merely tax drug-trafficking operations.