Pyongyang launches intercontinental ballistic missile

Today's news: Kdp first party in parliamentary elections in Kurdistan with 39 seats and the task of forming the regional government; Millions of Indians celebrate Diwali festival today; Hanoi sentences blogger Duong Van Thai to 12 years in prison; A well-known Russian cyclo-tourist and video blogger, 39-year-old Igor Babko, was reportedly kidnapped in Pakistan by a group of Taliban terrorists.

NORTH KOREA.

This morning Pyongyang launched an intercontinental ballistic missile, which flew for 86 minutes-the longest on record so far-and traveled more than 1,000 km before falling into ocean waters on the East Coast. The Icbm reached a height of 7,000 km while being launched at an elevated angle, confirming an even greater range capability. Seoul (and Tokyo) expect more launches in the coming days to coincide with the presidential election in the United States.

IRAQ

The Kurdistan Democratic Party (Kdp) is confirmed as the frontrunner in parliamentary elections in the semi-autonomous region of northern Iraq, winning 39 seats. This is according to final data provided by the Election Commission, which guarantees the party the leadership of the next government. Historic rivals the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (Puk) win 23 seats. Turnout stands at 72 percent. Parliament consists of 100 seats, five of them to minorities.

TAIWAN-UNITED STATES

In the coming weeks Taiwan and the United States will begin talks to reach an agreement to prevent double income taxation, a step long sought by Taiwan topromote investment. Washington and Taipei have no formal diplomatic relations, so the lack of a tax agreement means that Taiwanese businesses and individuals are taxed on their income by both the U.S. and Taiwanese governments if they work or live in both nations.

INDIA

Millions of Indians today celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, among the most important events on the Hindu calendar. The festival falls between October and November, but the date varies each year because it is tied to the moon. Worshippers light oil lamps and candles throughout the day to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Families worship Lakshmi, Hindu goddess of wealth.

VIETNAM

Hanoi sentenced 44-year-old blogger Duong Van Thai-who disappeared from Thailand last year and reappeared in Vietnamese police custody-to 12 years in prison and three years' probation for propaganda against the state. Thai's family was not allowed to attend the trial, which was held behind closed doors in recent days at the People's Court in Hanoi.

PAKISTAN - RUSSIA

A well-known Russian cyclo-tourist and video blogger, 39-year-old Igor Babko, was reportedly kidnapped in Pakistan by a group of Taliban terrorists. This was reported by British analysis center director Faran Jeffery, who reportedly intercepted communications regarding a “Russian cyclist.” Now a ransom demand is expected, which has reportedly not yet arrived.

ARMENIA - AZERBAIJAN

The director of Armenia's security services, Armen Abazyan, reported that “as soon as possible” a meeting will be held with his Azerbaijani counterpart. The focus of the discussion will be issues concerning Armenian prisoners of war still being held (33 for Baku, 80 for Yerevan) and missing persons in war zones, without specifying the date and place of the meeting.

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