North readying new nuke test, S. Korea saysApril 18, 2016 - 18:23 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - South Korea has detected signs that the North is preparing for a fifth nuclear test, President Park Geun-hye said. She did not elaborate on what the signs were, but ordered the military to be prepared, BBC News said citing Yonhap news agency. It comes after reports in local media about increased activity at the North's Punggye-ri nuclear test site, where the previous nuclear tests took place. A new test would be further defiance of tougher sanctions imposed by the UN last month. "We are in a situation, in which we don't know whether North Korea could stage provocation as a move to overcome its isolation and to consolidate its internal unity," Ms Park said told her top aides, Yonhap reported. In January, the North conducted its fourth nuclear test and a rocket launch a month later, raising tensions on the peninsula. Observers have been saying another test could come before North Korea holds its Workers' Party congress in Pyongyang in May. Experts believe the North does not possess the technology to mount a nuclear device on an intercontinental ballistic missile - although it has made progress in recent years on its nuclear weapons programme. Photo: AP Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |