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 | 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. |