North Korea test-fires missiles

North Korea test-launched five short-range KN-02 surface-to-surface missiles yesterday, in what analysts said was an attempt to improve its bargaining position ahead of possible talks with the United States.

North Korea has recently reached out to the US and South Korea after months of tension over its nuclear and missile tests this year.

Leader Kim Jong Il told visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao last week his Government might return to stalled six-nation negotiations on its nuclear programme depending on the outcome of talks it seeks with the US.