The Korea Herald
Fitch may upgrade Seoul credit rating
By Kim So-young and Kim Jung-min
North Korea's agreement to scrap all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programs will provide South Korean shares more fuel to run higher by removing geopolitical uncertainties, and will also put spurs to inter-Korean economic cooperation, analysts said yesterday.
But they expressed cautious optimism about the impact of the nuclear breakthrough on the overall economy, saying that many of the details to disarm the communist state have yet to be worked out.
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/SITE/data/html_dir/2005/09/21/200509210008.asp
Six parties will have to put principles into action
By Lee Joo-hee
The joint statement on North Korea's pledge to dismantle its nuclear programs Monday marked a new chapter in the three-year nuclear stand-off by successfully breaking the communist state's grip on its atomic weapons programs.
But the statement on principles - elaborated mostly in ambiguous phrases - also signaled a tough and complicated road ahead for the six parties, who must now sit and negotiate how and when to transform the agreed principles into action.
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/SITE/data/html_dir/2005/09/21/200509210014.asp
Gender pay gap widens over 50% at large firms
The average gap between men and women's pay at major Korean companies has stretched by more than 50 percent in the last five years, reports submitted to the Financial Supervisory Service showed.
The reports, filed by 50 bluechip companies, showed male workers at large Korean companies receiving a monthly check of 4.2 million won in the first half of this year, while females workers earned 2.6 million won. The 1.6 million won difference is a 52.8 jump from 2000 when the gap stood at 1.06 million won.
Experts attribute the widening pay gap to women's low chances of moving up the corporate ladder. They also cite the high concentration of women workers in assembly lines rather than in managerial positions.
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/SITE/data/html_dir/2005/09/21/200509210020.asp
One year crackdown on sex business shows fewer brothels, more customers
Results of a one year crackdown on the sex business were announced yesterday by the National Police Agency, showing a large decrease in the number of brothels and sex workers, but an increase in the number of sex clients, the majority of who are in their thirties and forties.
Over the past year, the number of brothels went down from 1,679 to 1,061, a 36.8 percent reduction, and the number of sex workers from 5,567 to 2,653, down 52.3 percent.
Around 16,260 people were arrested in this period, and of these 1,1474 were male brothel owners, pimps and sex clients and 4,786 were female sex workers. Of these women, 987 were excused from punishment by the provisions in the anti-prostitution laws that protect the human rights of women who have been forced into sex work against their free will.
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/SITE/data/html_dir/2005/09/21/200509210016.asp
Finance Ministry to raise soju tax despite opposition
The Finance Ministry decided yesterday to carry on with a tax rise on soju, Korea's popular alcoholic beverage, despite the Uri Party's opposition to the plan.
President Roh Moo-hyun led a cabinet meeting yesterday, approving a Finance Ministry plan to raise the liquor tax from its current level of 72 percent to 90 percent, in order to make up for an expected shortfall in tax revenues in the wake of a slower-than-expected recovery in the economy.
The plan is expected to result in rises on the retail prices of soju of up to 200 won per bottle, according to the ministry. Soju retails at between 1,000 won to 1,500 won per bottle.
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/SITE/data/html_dir/2005/09/21/200509210013.asp>
USFK to replace commander
U.S. Forces Korea announced yesterday it will replace the chief of its troops on the peninsula early next year.
U.S. President George W. Bush has nominated Gen. Burwell B. Bell, Commander of U.S. Army Europe, to replace Gen. Leon J. LaPorte, the incumbent chief of USFK, at a date to be determined in 2006, according to a statement from USFK.
His appointment is subject to confirmation by the U.S. Senate.
The USFK said the replacement was made in close consultation with and the full concurrence of the South Korean government.
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/SITE/data/html_dir/2005/09/21/200509210011.asp
The Korea Times
South Korea to Mediate Reactor Dispute
By Reuben Staines
Staff Reporter
South Korea is confident the North Korean nuclear disarmament agreement reached in Beijing on Monday can be implemented despite a continuing disagreement between Pyongyang and Washington over the sequencing of the deal.
President Roh Moo-hyun told a Cabinet meeting Tuesday that Seoul will seek to mediate the dispute, which focuses on Pyongyang’s demand for the construction of a light-water nuclear reactor in the North to help meet its energy needs.
``South Korea will have to play a proper role between the United States and North Korea to resolve the issue as the two main parties are engaged in a tug-of-war,’’ Roh said.
http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/nation/200509/kt2005092017041011950.htm
Researchers Find Cancer Gene
By Kim Cheong-won
Staff Reporter
A local research team has discovered that a gene in the human body suppresses the development of cancer.
The team discovered that the lack of a gene, known as ``sumo,’’ causes high instability in chromosomes.
Instability in chromosomes can provoke the formation of cancer.
Jang Yeun-kyu, 43, chief of the carcinogenesis branch at the National Cancer Center in Koyang, Kyonggi Province, said yesterday that his five-member team has discovered a direct link between a small ubiquitin-related modifier or sumo and chromosomes stability.
http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/200509/kt2005092017203210220.htm
Denuclearization and Peace
Pyongyang Ought to Faithfully Keep Promises First
North Korea's vow to abandon its nuclear facilities and weapons program is fostering high expectations that the peninsula will become nuclear free at long last. However, the long-cherished denulcearization is not easy because it has to be met by various sensitive conditions. Needless to say, its starting point depends on the North's faithful observance of its promises stipulated in a six-point agreement that the six participants in the nuclear negotiations made on Monday, ending the arduous fourth round of the dialogue. They are to rejoin the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and permit U.N. nuclear inspections in addition to the complete scrapping of all nuclear activities.
http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/opinion/200509/kt2005092017155254040.htm
Expectations on Economic Effect
Accord Provides Chance to Revitalize Business Climate
A rocky road lies ahead in implementing the nuclear deal made in Beijing Monday, but the first step has been taken. Most Koreans might have heaved a sigh of relief, but one of the happiest groups should be economic officials and business leaders. They hope, with reason, that the agreement to end North Korea's nuclear programs will dispel the long-drawn security risks and upgrade sovereign credit ratings. This will hinge on both the diplomats' follow-up talks and the business community's preparedness.
http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/opinion/200509/kt2005092017133754050.htm
Lancaster Intelligencer
218 years old, but still a current event
Judge Stengel gives MU audience a tour of the U.S. Constitution
By Madelyn Pennino, Intelligencer Journal Staff
Intelligencer Journal
Published: Sep 16, 2005 9:29 AM EST
LANCASTER COUNTY, PA - Federal Judge Lawrence F. Stengel gave Millersville University students a review of the U.S. Constitution Thursday night, then he taught them a lesson in current events.
Stengel spoke to an audience of more than 100 in Gordinier Hall in observation of Constitution Day.
Stengel told the crowd now is a good time to discuss the Constitution and its relationship to events in America and abroad.
http://local.lancasteronline.com/4/17073
Marching on a puppy mill
By Steve Kopfinger
Sunday News
Published: Sep 17, 2005 9:37 PM EST
LANCASTER COUNTY, PA - Thirty-one years after starring in “The Exorcist,” Linda Blair is still out to shock people.
Blair, who played a demon-possessed child in the 1974 creepy classic, is active these days in exposing a horror of a different kind: puppy mills, or dog-breeding facilities that crank out puppies in large quantities for the public, brokers or pet shops.
http://local.lancasteronline.com/4/17132
U.N. Assembly Turns Attention to Poor
By Nick Wadhams
Associated Press Writer
Published: Sep 19, 2005 12:57 PM EST
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - Leaders from developing nations took the rostrum Monday at the annual U.N. General Assembly debate to criticize rich countries for not doing enough to ease the plight of the world's poorest people.
Speakers from Africa, Asia and Latin America said they were encouraged by a document adopted at a three-day summit last week promising to alleviate poverty, but would withhold final judgment until rich nations make good on their vows.
http://ap.lancasteronline.com/4/un_general_assembly
Police arrest man wanted for assault in New Jersey
By Brett Lovelace, Intelligencer Journal Staff
Intelligencer Journal
Published: Sep 16, 2005 9:32 AM EST
LANCASTER COUNTY, PA - Police Thursday morning arrested a 22-year-old man wanted for assault in New Jersey.
Javier Omar Burgos, also known as Omar I. Crespo-Burgos, had been on the lam since June, when he failed to appear for a court hearing in Camden County, N.J.
Despite a massive manhunt, Burgos eluded police in Lancaster city for a day and a half before a police dog finally cornered him in a row house on Church Street.
http://local.lancasteronline.com/4/17075
The New Zealand Herald
PM orders investigation into visa claims
20.09.05 12.05pm UPDATE
Prime Minister Helen Clark said today an independent investigator will look into visa allegations surrounding Labour minister Taito Phillip Field.
Senior Cabinet ministers and Helen Clark separately spoke to Mr Field this morning about allegations that Mr Field gave assistance to a Thai overstayer.
The Thai man was seeking a New Zealand work permit and tiled Mr Field's house in Samoa.
Mr Field asked Associate Immigration Minister Damien O'Connor to review applications for New Zealand work visas by Sunan Siriwan and his wife after Mr Siriwan went to Mr Field for help.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10346479
Northland hit by storms
20.09.05 11.00am
Northlanders are mopping up after three days of weather that felled trees, sank boats, flipped a truck and cut power to thousands.
The weekend storm caused widespread damage in the north and west of the region.
Its effects were still being felt at high tide yesterday in Dargaville when sandbags were needed to hold back the Northern Wairoa River as it threatened to spill over stopbanks.
A long-line fishing boat moored in the normally sheltered Mangonui Harbour sank, and a yacht was driven on to rocks there by winds of more than 100km/h.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10346443
Early morning quake rattles Wanganui
20.09.05 10.00am
An early morning earthquake has rattled the central North Island, Geological and Nuclear Sciences said today.
The 5.54am quake, centred 30km northwest of Raetihi, registered 4.1 on the Richter scale. It was at a depth of 30km and would have been felt in Wanganui.
- NZPA
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10346439
Snow moves north and shuts roads
20.09.05 8.15am
By Colin Marshall
The big chill moved north last night, cutting roads in the central North Island.
MetService spokesman Bob McDavitt this morning said the worst of the snow appeared to be past.
"It was a snowy night, particularly in the pre-midnight hours, and there are still some rain and snow-bearing clouds we can see on the radar."
Mr McDavitt said the MetService believed they would be able to drop its snow warnings this morning.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10346438
Icy blanket swathes Canterbury
20.09.05
By Jarrod Booker
Christchurch was paralysed yesterday as a fierce snowstorm hit the South Island, cutting electricity and closing the city's airport, universities, schools and businesses.
Parts of Christchurch received between 5cm and 15cm of snow early in the day. But the sun broke through between rain and sleet showers in the afternoon.
The ferocity of the storm caught residents by surprise after a mild winter largely free of severe weather. The temperature hovered just above freezing throughout the day.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10346414
Latham backs NZ's approach to US relations
19.09.05 1.00pm
CANBERRA - Australia should follow the example of New Zealand, which had made itself the safest country on earth through distancing itself from the United States, former opposition leader Mark Latham said today.
Speaking ahead of the long-awaited launch of his diary today, Mr Latham said he reached the conclusion that Australia needed to renegotiate the alliance with the US after dining with then US Ambassador Thomas Schieffer, who he referred to in his diary as Brains ("Schieffer brains").
"We should have a look at how New Zealand has made itself the safest country in the world," he told ABC radio.
"There is no terrorist threat to New Zealand that has been identified but (there is) one here. If you go supporting bad American policy you make yourself a bigger target and you stir dissent in your own country," he said.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10346290
Three killed in Guatemala prison gang fight
20.09.05 9.20am
GUATEMALA CITY - Three presumed gang members were shot and beaten to death today in the latest lethal clashes between street gangs in Guatemala's prisons.
The three prisoners, believed to be members of the Mara Salvatrucha street gang, were killed after being attacked with guns, stones and sticks by rival gang Mara 18, according to police spokesman Carlos Calju.
The gangs, known collectively as "maras", co-existed for the most part peacefully in Guatemala's jails until grenade-tossing inmates from several prisons broke a pact not to fight each other behind bars last month and killed 36.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&ObjectID=10346445
UK frees soldiers from Iraq prison, witnesses say
20.09.05 1.00pm
BASRA, Iraq - British tanks smashed into an Iraqi prison to free two undercover British soldiers seized on Monday by Iraqi forces, an Interior Ministry official and witnesses said.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official said British troops using half a dozen tanks stormed the jail in the southern city of Basra. Dozens of Iraqi prisoners escaped during the raid, he said.
However, Britain later said the soldiers were released by negotiation. "We've heard nothing to suggest we stormed the prison,'' a defence ministry spokesman in London said. "We understand there were negotiations.''
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&ObjectID=10346444
Up to $1 billion plundered from Iraqi funds
20.09.05
LONDON - Large-scale corruption in Iraq's ministries, particularly the defence ministry, has led to one of the biggest thefts in history with more than $1 billion going missing, Iraq's finance minister said in an interview.
"Huge amounts of money have disappeared. In return we got nothing but scraps of metal," Finance Minister Ali Allawi told British newspaper The Independent in a report published on Monday. "It is possibly one of the largest thefts in history."
Corruption, both in the bidding for and the awarding of contracts, and in the administration of public offices, is one of the most frequent accusations made by Iraqis against their government and foreign firms operating in the country.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10346386
New York Times Iraq reporter found dead in Basra
20.09.05
BASRA, Iraq - An Iraqi working as a reporter for the New York Times was found dead in the southern city of Basra on Monday after being kidnapped by masked men, family members and a doctor said.
Fakher Haider, who had worked for the Times for 2-1/2 years, was found with his hands bound and a single bullet wound to the head, a doctor in the forensic department of Basra's hospital told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Employees of the New York Times in Baghdad said they couldn't confirm Haider's death but said they were enquiring into reports that he had been kidnapped and killed.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10346356
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