No Deal With Iran?
MOSCOW (Reuters) -- Russia may call off next month's planned signing of a deal to smooth the launch of a nuclear reactor in Iran, a source close to the deal said Friday in a sign Moscow is hardening its stance toward its nuclear partner.
Russia's growing unease over Iran's nuclear policies could lead to Moscow backing a U.S. effort at a UN nuclear watchdog meeting in November to take Iran to the UN Security Council for possible sanctions, diplomats say.
http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2004/10/04/031.html
Key points • Emergency services claim equipment and training inadequate • Fewer than 1 in 6 firefighters have chemical, biological, and nuclear suits • Control room cuts make co-ordinating response to an attack 'a nightmare'
Key quote
"There is a common consensus among firefighters in particular that the bulk of anti-terror preparations to date have been little more than desk-top exercises - and that we urgently need enhanced training programmes to deal with the prospect of biological or chemical attacks on Scotland" - John McDonald, executive council member of Fire Brigades Union Scotland
Story in full THE emergency services in Scotland are ill-prepared to cope with the aftermath of a major terrorist attack north of the border, The Scotsman has learned.
Excerpted
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2004/10/03/wnato03.xml&sSheet=/news/2004/10/03/ixworld.html
"n.A.T.o. - a pop singer dressed as a suicide-bomber - causes outrage
By Elizabeth Day"
(Filed: 03/10/2004)