S Korea mourns US victims

Security remained tight as children prayed

South Koreans marked a minute's silence on Friday for the victims of the attacks in the United States.

Sirens sounded across the nation at 1000 (0100GMT) as people gathered to pay their tributes.

Outside the US embassy in Seoul, a group of children prayed, some kneeling down with eyes closed.

Some directed their anger at terrorist suspect Osama Bin Laden

Newly appointed US ambassador Thomas Hubbard thanked them and the Korean people.

"I would like to take this opportunity to speak to the Korean people, say, how deeply the American people appreciate your support in this time of sorrow," he said.

United in mourning

South Korean politicians joined the ceremonies as government flags flew at half mast.

Declaring the day of mourning, Prime Minister Lee Han-Dong said: "Terrorism is a challenge to democracy that must not be condoned."

Even anti-US activists, encamped outside the heavily guarded US Forces Headquarters on a 337-week long protest, joined in the national mourning.

The South Korean Foreign Ministry said all but one Korean employee of South Korean firms in the World Trade Center were safe.

About another 20 nationals working for US and other companies had yet to be accounted for.