Korean families begin reunions

SEOUL, South Korea – Hundreds of mostly elderly Koreans – some in wheelchairs or leaning on walking sticks, most overcome by tears, laughter and shock – began three days of reunions Tuesday with loved ones many have had no contact with since war divided the North and South more than 60 years ago.

About 390 South Koreans traveled to the North’s scenic Diamond Mountain resort. Dressed in business suits, formal dresses and traditional hanbok, they brought long johns, medicine, parkas, calligraphy works and cash to give as presents to about 140 family members in the North.

The reunions, as always, are a mixture of high emotion and media frenzy.

South Korea uses a computerized lottery system to pick participants while North Korea reportedly chooses based on loyalty to its authoritarian leadership.

Congo leader draws more protests

BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of Congo – Police in Republic of Congo’s capital fired tear gas Tuesday to try to disperse protests against a constitutional referendum to make the country’s longtime president eligible for a new term, say residents.

Politicians campaigning against the Oct. 25 referendum called for a campaign of “civil disobedience” to begin Tuesday.

“This morning, young people went onto the streets to burn tires and erect barricades,” said Rudel Ganziami, a resident of Brazzaville’s southern Bacongo district. “Right now the police are firing tear gas grenades to try to disperse them.”

Phone and internet service appeared to be down in much the city on Tuesday.

Under current laws 71-year-old President Denis Sassou N’Guesso is barred from seeking re-election when his second term expires next year.

Associated Press