April 11, 2023

*) North Korea leader calls for expansion of war deterrence capabilities North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called for expanding the country's war deterrence capabilities to counter what it called "frantic" aggression by the United States and South Korea. Kim's call on Tuesday comes as Pyongyang has opened the year with a flurry of weapons tests. These tests included nuclear-capable underwater drones and the launch of two intercontinental ballistic missiles. North Korea last year declared itself an "irreversible" nuclear power, effectively ending the possibility of denuclearisation talks. *) Turkish, Russian, Syrian, Iranian FMs likely to meet in May in Moscow A meeting between foreign ministers of Türkiye, Russia, Iran, and Syria is likely to be held in early May in Moscow. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said this in an interview on Monday. He said the aim of these talks is to revive the political process, lasting stability and peace, fight against terrorism, and guarantee Syria's border and territorial integrity. *) Five killed, at least 6 injured in Kentucky shooting attack Five people were killed and at least six others hospitalised following a shooting targeting a bank on Monday in downtown Louisville, in the US state of Kentucky. A short while after confirming the attack, police said the shooter was dead, without giving further details. It was unclear whether the death toll of five people included the shooter. The incident triggered a massive police deployment outside the Old National Bank building. *) China completes Taiwan war games aimed at 'sealing off' island China says it has "successfully completed" three days of war games around Taiwan. The three-day show of force saw it simulate targeted strikes and practise a blockade of the self-ruled island. Chinese ally Russia defended the drills, with a Kremlin spokesperson saying Beijing had a "sovereign right" to respond to what Moscow called "provocative acts". Beijing's exercises were a response to Taiwan President Tsai Ing