North Korea missile test launch off east coast fails, officials sayMay 31, 2016 - 10:04 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - North Korea has attempted to fire a ballistic missile off its east coast but the launch appears to have failed, South Korean military officials say, according to BBC News. It is unclear what type of missile it was, but it follows three failed tests of the medium-range "Musudan" missile in April. The North is banned by the UN from using any ballistic missile technology. Tensions have run high in the region after Pyongyang's fourth nuclear test in January and numerous missile tests. Also on Tuesday, May 31, the newly promoted vice-chairman of North Korea's ruling Workers Party, Ri Su-yong, arrived in China for what South Korean media said was an unannounced official visit. China is North Korea's closest ally and trading partner, but ties have been strained by the nuclear test and weapons activity. It is the first visit since the Worker's Party congress earlier this month in North Korea, the first in 36 years. Ri, who was travelling with a large entourage, would likely be briefing China on other major developments at the congress, in an attempt to rebuild the relationship, said Yonhap. 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 | Government reveals details from Pashinyan’s meeting in border village Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with a group of residents of a border village in Armenia’s northern Tavush province Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. |