South Korea carries out military drill at disputed islandsOctober 25, 2013 - 12:11 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - South Korean forces have carried out a drill aimed at repelling foreign landings on disputed islands at the heart of a row with Japan, BBC News reported. The drill took place at an outcrop known in South Korea as Dokdo and in Japan as Takeshima. The long-running row over the islands has affected ties between the two nations. Both Japan and South Korea say they have long-standing historical ties to, and claims over, the island grouping. The drill, which included destroyers and combat jets, took place on what South Korea has designated "Dokdo Day". "It is a regular drill aimed at repealing non-military forces that approach Dokdo via a sea or air route," an unidentified military official told Yonhap news agency. A defence ministry official said that it was important to show the area "would be defended by South Korea, in whatever circumstances". Tensions over the disputed islands between South Korea and Japan have worsened recently, reports the BBC's Lucy Williamson in Seoul, with both sides taking their conflict online and posting videos supporting their claims on the YouTube website. The islets have become a lightening rod for unresolved historical issues between the two neighbours - a symbol, say many Koreans, of Japan's lack of remorse for its colonial past, the correspondent adds. The territories themselves consist of two main islands and about 30 smaller rocks. A South Korean coastguard detachment has been stationed there since 1954. There was no immediate response from Japan to the drill, which is not the first to be held in the area. Related links: Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. Armenian Economy Minister to make trip to UAE May 20-22 A delegation led by Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan will travel to the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi on May 20-22 Armenia Security Council chief traveling to Qatar Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will travel on a working visit to Qatar. Pillars installed in Armenian border village of Kirants In the Armenian village of Kirants, three border markers have been installed, and border guards stand next to them. |