Gulf War veterans return medals

CAN FOLLOW SADDAM SPEECH A group of British veterans of the Gulf War have marked today's anniversary by returning the medals they won to the Ministry of Defence in protest at what they consider the lack of government action over the variety of illnesses known as Gulf War Syndrome.

The men say about one-hundred and sixty British veterans have died since returning from the Gulf and another six-thousand are sick.

Others are homeless or cannot obtain the necessary medical care.

The veterans are demanding a full government inquiry into the syndrome.

Symptoms include chronic fatigue, skin disorders, muscular pains and shortness of breath.

The defence ministry said it was already addressing the concerns of the British veterans.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service