Seoul/Brussels, 15 March 2010: The recent tightening of economic sanctions, compounded with domestic problems, could trigger North Korean instability as the country's human security tragedy continues to deteriorate.

Beijing/Brussels, 2 November 2009: China's internal debate following North Korea's most recent provocations was interpreted in some Western capitals as a sign that Beijing is finally getting tough with its neighbour.

Eleven North Korean defected to South Korea through waters off the South's east coast on Oct. 1, a government source said.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-il said in talks with a Chinese presidential envoy on Friday that he is willing to resolve an ongoing nuclear standoff with the international community through "bilateral or multilateral dialogue," China's news agency said.

NEW YORK - Suddenly, North Korea's peace offensive has exploded in a mushroom cloud with word from Pyongyang that the North's nuclear wizards are about to enter "the completion stage" of their program to develop nuclear warheads with highly enriched uranium.