North Korea unveils giant intercontinental missile in parade
If it is functional, this intercontinental ballistic missile could be the largest in the world "AFP PHOTO / KCNA
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3 min
North Korea is celebrating, on October 10, the 75th anniversary of the Labor Party, in power since the separation of the peninsula.
These birthdays are often an opportunity for Pyongyang to showcase its military potential.
And this year, despite a difficult economic and diplomatic context, the regime unveiled a new missile.
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It is an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), capable of reaching the United States.
North Korea already had one, but the one unveiled this Saturday, October 10 is huge, longer and wider than the previous ones.
According to specialists, this missible, which was shown on an 11-axle transport vehicle, would be one of the largest in the world, if it became operational.
“
We will continue to strengthen our military,
” Kim Jong-un said in a full half-hour speech, in which he never once mentioned the United States.
But the message sent by the North Korean leader remains offensive nonetheless, a few weeks before the US presidential election.
The Hwasong-15, the longest-range missile North Korea ever tested, and what appeared to be a new submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), were also on display.
Hand reaching out to South Korea
Appeared in a gray suit, amid fireworks and in front of a large crowd, Kim Jong-un addressed his people.
He addressed the economic difficulties and health restrictions, rejoicing that his country did not have to deplore a single case of Covid-19.
He also addressed his compatriots in the South, saying he hoped they would recover from the coronavirus as soon as possible, relates our correspondent in Seoul,
Nicolas Rocca
.
An outstretched hand, as tensions between the two Koreas had resumed its last weeks.
A southern official
was shot dead
for being in northern territorial waters.
However, beyond the symbolic messages, political decisions will be taken next January, on the occasion
of the second exceptional
party
congress
, the first since 2016.
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North Korea
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Kim Jong-un
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