National Radio Midday Bulletin

RUSSIA: Russia’s bombardment of Grozny has continued uninterrupted, despite statements from the US that Russia has ignored global human rights legislation in their assault.

FIRE SERVICE: A senior fire service official is urging apartment dwellers to pressure landlords to upgrade and maintain their fire safety equipment.

VENEZUALA: 55,000 homes have been destroyed in serious floods in the South American country. Up to 30,000 people are believed killed.

WINZ: WINZ payed $9000 to a consultant for assistance in editing a post-election briefing paper for the incoming government.

VERMONT: Two people are being held in custody in Vermont, USA, on suspicion of terrorism. They allegedly have links to Islamic terrorist cells.

$27,000: The government has approved $27,000 for flood relief in the Waitotara Valley.

PARCELS: A Kiwi woman says delays in getting parcels to Britain is unacceptable and a refund on costs is not enough. The presents were guaranteed to arrive in time for Christmas and were posted in October.

INMATES: More than 120 inmates in Northern Ireland for participating in paramilitary exercises are being released for Christmas. It is a symbol of British confidence in the peace measures.

INDONESIA: Indonesia say they have released the last political prisoners from their jails.

APPLE & PEAR: The Apple and Pear Board is upset the government rejected their plans to reform their new marketing body structure.

IVORY COAST: Disgruntled soldiers have rioted in the capital of the Ivory Coast, shooting into the air. They say they are protesting about not being payed for their part in UN missions abroad. The media has been shut down.

CRANE CRASH: An OSH report into a 50 tonne crane crash that squashed five cars in Auckland says nobody should be charged.

MOTORISTS: Police are warning motorists to take extra care on the roads over the Christmas break, not to drive drunk and watch following distances.

REFUGEE: A woman seeking refugee status saying she will be forcibly circumcised if she returns to Africa has been released from jail. A decision on her refugee status is pending.

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