The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 09-07-04

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] N. Korea Fresh Provocation

North Korea test-fired short range missiles off its east coast on Saturday, in an act of defiance apparently timed for the US Independence Day holiday. The ballistic missiles - which the North is banned from firing under UN resolutions -- were launched between 8 am and 5.40 pm local time into the Sea of Japan (East Sea), Seoul military officials said. Furthermore the North on Thursday test-fired four short-range missiles into the Sea of Japan.

The launches further fuelled regional tensions. They came as Washington seeks support for tough enforcement of United Nations sanctions aimed at shutting down the North's nuclear and missile programs.

Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff said they had a range of between 400 and 500 km but declined to say what type they were. Yonhap news agency said they were either Scuds, or Rodong-1 missiles whose maximum range of 1,300 km had been shortened.

The latest launches were seen as more provocative since the missiles could potentially reach most of South Korea, and possibly parts of Japan.

"The military, on the basis of a strong joint defense alliance with the United States, is fully prepared to fend off any threats or provocations by the North," Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.

Japan condemned the launches.

"It is a serious act of provocation against the security of neighbouring countries, including our country," Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura said. Kawamura warned Tokyo would "promptly take appropriate measures" to implement the resolution.

Russia and China appealed for calm and called for resumption of six-partite negotiations and prevention of moves from all sides that could lead to further destabilization in the region.

Sources: ÁNA-ÌPA, Reuters

News item: 24419

[02] Six People Killed in London Fire

Six people, including a 3-week-old baby and two children 6 and 7 years old were killed when a fire broke out in a 12-storey building. The fire started on the fourth floor and spread quickly to seven floors of the 12-story building.

Thirty people had to be rescued when fire ripped through the high-rise apartment building in the Camberwell area of south London at around 4:20 p.m on Friday, emergency services said.

The brigade said 18 fire engines and more than 100 firefighters were called to the blaze. Ten people had been taken to local hospitals, most suffering from smoke inhalation. Initially there was fear that some residents had been trapped in the apartments but after search firefighters said that the building had been evacuated.

The London Ambulance Service said 18 people, among them 11 children, had been taken to local hospitals, some were in serious condition.

Investigators were on the scene to determine its cause.

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA

News item: 24418

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