Ex-British PM to join in emergency summit

ALBANY -- Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair will be among those attending the "Emergency Preparedness Summit" in October in Albany.

The gathering, organized by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, is expected to attract some 3,000 emergency response officials from around New York to discuss responses to natural disasters, terrorism or other man-made catastrophes.

Other attendees include national security analyst Peter Bergen and a deputy police chief from Norway who responded to last year's deadly attacks in Oslo and on a youth camp. Officials from Joplin, Mo., which was devastated by a tornado last year, are also expected to attend.

The summit is planned for Oct. 29 and 30. -- AP