September 28, 2003

• Nuclear Weapons : Iran remains defiant about nuclear program. Iran states it will not give up its nuclear program (including uranium enrichment). The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have given Iran until October 31 to prove it has no secret nuclear arms program and told it to halt enrichment activities. Iran states international pressure will not deter its nuclear plans. [1] [2]
• Blackout: In Italy and a small part of Switzerland 57 million people were without power from late Saturday night until Sunday noon. The power outage was more extensive than the North American blackout in August. [3] [4]
• Terrorism: Ukraine warns United States of nuclear terror threat. Officials in Kiev have formed a joint task force to examine purchase of nuclear materials by U.S.-based terrorists. Officials investigate radioactive package addressed to America seized in Kiev's airport. Ukraine Ministry of Emergencies official states the package was emitting radiation "higher than the acceptable norm". [5]
• Natural disaster: Hurricane Juan is expected to make landfall near Halifax, Nova Scotia.
• Space: Europe has launched its first mission to the moon, using SMART-1, an unmanned probe. [6]
• Pope John Paul II names 30 new cardinals, including Marc Ouellet, Archbishop of Quebec and Primate of Canada. The Pope also created a 31st Cardinal in pectore, which means his identity is kept secret and he will not be made a Cardinal if the Pope dies before revealing his name. [7]
• Aviation: European Aviation Safety Agency came into being. [8].