Marshall Islands parliament burns down in overnight fire

"A fire has destroyed the national parliament building of the Marshall Islands, according to officials in the Pacific Island nation. The Marshall Islands fire department said half of the parliament building known as the Nitijela had been burnt down, in an interview with Reuters."

"Firefighters were called to the scene in the early hours of Tuesday morning when the building was already engulfed. They successfully stopped the blaze, but police officials told Reuters the remaining structure cannot be used. RNZ reported the parliament chamber, offices, library and archives had all been destroyed."

"The building is no longer usable, and already, alternative plans are being talked about, about where they're going to hold parliament, because parliament is actually in session right now, RNZ Pacific's correspondent in the Marshall Islands Giff Johnson said. The Pacific archipelago, midway between Hawaii and Australia, has a population of about 42,000, with half living in the capital Majuro. Taiwan's foreign minister Lin Chia-lung expressed his condolences. Taiwan will remain in communication with the Marshall Islands' government and provide necessary assistance in a timely manner, the ministry added in a statement, without elaborating."

A fire destroyed the national parliament building of the Marshall Islands, with the fire department saying half of the Nitijela had been burnt down. Firefighters arrived in the early hours and stopped the blaze, but police said the remaining structure cannot be used. The parliament chamber, offices, library and archives were destroyed. Parliament was in session when the fire occurred, and alternative locations for sittings are being discussed. The Marshall Islands is a Pacific archipelago of about 42,000 people, with major diplomatic ties including a compact with the United States and diplomatic recognition of Taiwan. Taiwan expressed condolences and offered assistance.

Read at www.theguardian.com