http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/20/AR2007122002196.html
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Note: The following post is a quote:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1942689/posts
Uranium Traces Found on N. Korean Tubes
Washington Post ^ | December 21, 2007 | By Glenn Kessler
Posted on 12/21/2007 2:51:34 AM PST by notes2005
U.S. scientists have discovered traces of enriched uranium on smelted aluminum tubing provided by North Korea, apparently contradicting Pyongyang’s denial that it had a clandestine nuclear program, according to U.S. and diplomatic sources.
The United States has long pointed to North Korea’s acquisition of thousands of aluminum tubes as evidence of such a program, saying the tubes could be used as the outer casing for centrifuges needed to spin hot uranium gas into the fuel for nuclear weapons. North Korea has denied that contention and, as part of a declaration on its nuclear programs due by the end of the year, recently provided the United States with a small sample to demonstrate that the tubes were used for conventional purposes.
The discovery of the uranium traces has been closely held by senior U.S. officials concerned that disclosure would expose intelligence methods and complicate the diplomatic process. North Korea has steadfastly refused to open up about its past practices, simply asserting that it is not engaged in inappropriate activities. However, the uranium finding will force U.S. negotiators to demand a detailed explanation from Pyongyang.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=77371
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http://africa.reuters.com/top/news/usnBAN123863.html
“Gas explosion in Sierra Leone kills 17 people”
Fri 21 Dec 2007, 6:37 GMT
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ARTICLE SNIPPET: “FREETOWN (Reuters) - A gas explosion on a street packed with Christmas shoppers killed 17 people in the capital of Sierra Leone on Thursday, emergency services in the West African country said.
The explosion tore through a shop owned by a Lebanese trader in Freetown which was packed with people buying second-hand clothing for the festive season, fire officials said.
A further five people were seriously injured, police said.
Vice President Samuel Sam-Sumana said authorities would carry out a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident.”