N. Korea possibly upgrading rocket launch siteFebruary 15, 2013 - 11:36 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - North Korea appears to be upgrading one of its two rocket launch sites, U.S. experts say, perhaps in a move to test bigger rockets, according to BBC News. "Important progress" had been made at Tonghae Satellite Launching Ground since October 2012, the analysis from the 38 North website said. Activities around the new launch pad also revealed possible evidence of assistance from Iran, it said. Pyongyang used a three-stage rocket to put a satellite into space last year. That launch - condemned by the UN as a banned test of missile technology - took place at the Sohae launch site. But previous unsuccessful attempts in 2006 and 2009 took place at the Tonghae site, which is also known as Musudan-ri. The analysis from 38 North, the website of the U.S.-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in Baltimore, was based on satellite imagery. Construction of the new launch pad was continuing, it said, with images showing Pyongyang would be able to test rockets "perhaps three to four times the size of the Unha [launched in December 2012] when construction is completed, possibly in 2016". Two new design features were similar to those used at the Semnan Launch Complex in Iran, it said.The images also confirmed activity at the old launch pad. "That activity may be related to another round of modifications intended to support future launches of the Unha rocket or possibly another liquid-fuelled missile," 38 North said, while cautioning that more information was needed. North Korea last week conducted its third nuclear test, claiming to have successfully detonated a smaller but more powerful device than in previous tests. The move drew immediate condemnation from the UN Security Council. Observers fear North Korea is working towards creating a nuclear device small enough to fit on a long-range missile. 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 | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. 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. |