North Korea confirms rocket launch detailsDecember 4, 2012 - 20:30 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - North Korea has confirmed the details of its planned rocket launch this month, says the UN's shipping agency, according to BBC News. The launch is set for between 10 and 22 December, from 07:00 to 12:00 local time (22:00 - 03:00 GMT), said the International Maritime Organisation. The country's state news agency said that the rocket was to launch a satellite into space. The plan, which follows a failed rocket launch in April, has been met with criticism from neighbouring countries. The three-stage rocket is expected to fly south - dropping into the sea off the west coast of South Korea and landing in waters east of the Philippines, based on co-ordinates provided by Pyongyang. The rocket's flight plan is said to take it close to Japan's Okinawa island. The Japanese government is now positioning missile defence interceptors in the event that the rocket veers off course. North Korea had also previously notified its neighbours of the planned flight path, telling them it will follow a similar route to that of its launch in April. The US, Japan and South Korea said that the failed rocket flew only for a short time before breaking up and crashing into waters off the Korean peninsula. The UN, the US, South Korea and Japan have reacted sharply to the planned launch. Russia and China have also urged Pyongyang to abide by the UN ban on ballistic missile tests. The planned rocket launch occurs just as South Korea prepares for its presidential election on 19 December. 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 | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |