Pence vows "overwhelming and effective" response to North KoreaApril 19, 2017 - 10:45 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The United States will counter any North Korean attack with an "overwhelming and effective" response, Vice President Mike Pence vowed Wednesday, April 19, as he stood on the deck of a massive American aircraft carrier docked in Japan, Reuters says. Donald Trump's deputy is in the region to reassure allies fretting over Pyongyang's quickening missile programme, and its apparent readiness to carry out another banned nuclear test in its quest to develop an atomic weapon that can hit the US mainland. Pence, whose visit started in South Korea the day after the failed launch by North Korea of what analysts said could have been a new missile, said the threat from the isolated regime was growing. Aboard the USS Ronald Reagan, the vice president told troops he was there as "storm clouds gather on the horizon" of Northeast Asia. "North Korea is the most dangerous and urgent threat to peace and security in the Asia-Pacific," Pence said. But, "we will defeat any attack and meet any use of conventional or nuclear weapons with an overwhelming and effective American response." Pence's comments come after a senior North Korean official warned the regime had no intention of dialling down its missile programme, pledging weekly tests and threatening "all-out war" if the US took any action against it. That kind of rhetoric has unnerved allies in Japan and South Korea, who would be at the sharp end of any North Korean response. Related links: 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 | Viva-MTS: Tech solutions to modernize infrastructure of border village The border village has been the focus of Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values since 2015. Ucom's fixed network launched in Artashat To mark this occasion, the company has introduced a special offer exclusively for Artashat residents. “By Your Side”: IDBank's new support program for displaced Artsakh citizens IDBank is launching a long-term social support program for forcibly displaced Artsakh residents. The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. |