2003.10.11

S. Korean Leader Considers Vote on Ouster (AP). Facing widespread discontent, President Roh Moo-hyun said Saturday that he was considering a national referendum on whether he should resign, and rejected an offer from his Cabinet and presidential aides to quit. NGG note: We seriously believe that the South Korean president may have suffered a nervous breakdown.   2003.10.11

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DPRK Multilateral Talks (VOA)   The next round of multi-party talks about North Korea's nuclear program is expected to take place in December.   2003.10.11

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Near Miss   Air Nippon jet, MSDF plane reported to have barely avoided collision (by only 30 meters) near Hachijoji airport on Oct. 7. Incident not reported to government authorities until today.   2003.10.11

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Powell Seeks to Break N. Korean Stalemate [AP World News] NGG note: It appears that the Neo-cons, consumed with covering their backsides over the fallout with Iraq, are going to allow State to have a shot at solving the North Korean nuclear issue. It gives them some breathing room and the ability to use Powell as a scapegoat should things go horribly wrong with strategy on Pyongyang in the next few months.   2003.10.11

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Nuke Plant Shutdown (Mainichi)   Cracks suspected in nuclear power reactor in Hokkaido.   2003.10.11

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Strong Earthquake Hits Northern Japan (AP).   A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.1 rocked northern Japan Saturday morning, the Meteorological Agency said. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. 2003.10.11

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S. Korean President Rejects Resignations [AP World News] This is part of President Roh's campaign to restore public confidence in his administration. 2003.10.11

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Famed lawyer caught in own net [The Japan Times] 2003.10.11

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Dollar-Yen (Reuters)   Dollar lower against yen in North America trading session on Friday, but off three-year low after action by Bank of Japan to halt Japanese currency's rise.   2003.10.11

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