Moscow TV tower survives fire

The Russian authorities say the Ostankino television tower in Moscow -- which was ravaged by fire on Sunday and Monday -- is stable enough to be restored.

A safety cordon around the tower has been lifted, allowing traffic to return to nearby streets.

The announcement by the emergency situations minister, Sergei Shoigu, followed a detailed inspection by engineers.

The intensity of the fire had led to fears that part of the giant structure might collapse, or have to be dismantled.

The blaze blacked out television transmissions in the Moscow region - it's thought it could be weeks before a full TV service is restored.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service