North Korea North Korea Fires Another 'Short-Range Projectile' (click here)
by EYDER PERALTA
May 19, 2013 3:34 PM
North Korea launched another short-range projectile on Sunday, just a day after they launched three similar objects.
The projectile landed away from neighboring countries in the sea off North Korea's east coast.
As The New York Times explains, South Korean officials moved away from calling the objects missiles, as they did yesterday. Today, they used the word "short-range projectiles," because "hey may have included not only the modified KN-02 short-range guided missile but also rockets from its new multiple launcher."...
Oh, good, a new Somali Lord. Anything for ransom.
By CHRIS BUCKLEY
Published: May 19, 2013
...“The embassy immediately made representations to the consular affairs bureau of the North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, asking that North Korea release the vessel and the crew as soon as possible, and ensure the safety of the lives and property of the detained crew, as well as their legitimate rights,” the Chinese ministry statement said.
The statement did not explain why the ministry waited so long to reveal the seizure, which came during a time of tensions with North Korea, a country that depends on Beijing for diplomatic and economic support.
The announcement promptly drew an outcry from Chinese media and citizens online, some of whom have already expressed increasing impatience with North Korea over its nuclear ambitions and threats to the region.
The Chinese media reports said the boat was seized on May 5, with 16 men onboard, and North Korean authorities demanded payment of 600,000 renminbi, equal to about $98,000, to release them and the vessel, apparently on the grounds that it was fishing in waters claimed by North Korea. The deadline for payment was Sunday, The Beijing Times newspaper said....
