Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
(Image Source: UN / Rick Bajornas)
BY JASMINE BAILEY
North Korea fired the fourth short-range test missile in two days Sunday — this time into
the Sea of Japan.
This comes after Pyongyang fired three test missiles from its east coast. However, neither
those nor the missile fired Sunday are anything for the West to be worried about. (Via BBC)
"This is the kind of weapon that pretty much every nation possesses and pretty much every
nation tests. Of course, since this is North Korea it is going to raise some hackles."
(Via Sky News)
However, the North's actions could be a source of red flags for its southern counterpart
and a cause of growing tensions between the two nations.
Especially as discussions over the countries' joint industrial complex at Kaesong are seemingly
stagnant. While the South is offering talks, the North reportedly continues to criticize
those request. (Via RT)
Not to mention the firm disapproval from North Korea over joint naval exercises between the
U.S. and South Korea. (Via Press TV)
And now, according to South Korea's semiofficial news agency, Yonhap — since the fourth missile
test, South Korea is more actively pushing dialog with Pyongyang, condemning its most
recent provocations.
And while speaking during a visit to Russia Sunday, U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon
has also called on the communist country to cease the test fire. Saying:
Ban Ki-Moon: "It's time for them to return to the dialogue, reduce the tensions and address
whatever grievances, complaints or concerns they may have." (Via Al Jazeera)
Although the North continues to provoke, it is notable that frictions have lessened since
the end of April. Next step is to hopefully get the North and South to the negotiation
table.