UN condemns North Korea missile launchesAugust 27, 2016 - 11:36 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The UN Security Council late on Friday, August 26 condemned a series of missile launches by North Korea after failing to do so earlier this month when China had wanted a statement also to oppose the planned deployment of a U.S. anti-missile system in South Korea, Reuters reports. North Korea test-fired a submarine-launched ballistic missile on Wednesday which flew about 500 km in the direction of Japan, the latest in a series of launches by the isolated nation in defiance of UN resolutions. "The members of the Security Council deplore all Democratic People's Republic of Korea ballistic missile activities," the statement said, referring to North Korea by its formal name. The statement referred to Wednesday's launch as well as other North Korean ballistic missile launches since July 9. "Such activities contribute to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's development of nuclear weapons delivery systems and increase tension," it said. As in past statements, the Council went on to say that it "would continue to closely monitor the situation and take further significant measures in line with the Council's previously expressed determination." Earlier this month, the 15-member council had been unable to agree on a U.S.-drafted statement to condemn North Korea's Aug. 3 launch of a ballistic missile that landed in or near Japanese-controlled waters. 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 | Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |