Briefly

REPUBLIC OF CONGO

Stampede kills 31 at army recruitment drive

In a desperate crush to get through a stadium gate for an army recruiting event, at least 31 people were trampled to death in the Republic of Congo's capital, officials said on Tuesday. A prosecutor said he had opened an investigation into the disaster, in which several thousand youths descended on the Michel d'Ornano stadium on Monday night, hoping for one of 1,500 army posts. Security officials said the deaths were caused after people tried to push through one gate. They said some tried to force the gate open, while others tried to jump over a wall into the stadium. The government revised down the toll of 37 dead to 31, but officials said many of the 145 injured were in serious condition. The country on Tuesday declared Nov 22 a day of mourning in memory of those killed in the stampede.

UNITED KINGDOM

Light shed on artist Banksy's name

A rare nugget of information about the famously enigmatic street art superstar Banksy emerged on Tuesday when he gave his first name as Robbie in an unearthed 2003 BBC interview. In the interview, one of the few known to exist with the global art phenomenon, he was asked if his name was "Robert Banks", to which he replied: "It's Robbie." His identity has long been the source of speculation, with some saying his name was Robin or Robert Banks. Banksy talked about his distinctive stenciling style in the interview, a podcast bonus part of a series called The Banksy Story. The artist was in his 20s at the time, and was promoting the opening of his Turf War show in eastern London.

Agencies - Xinhua