DHAKA: North Korea is holding its first party congress in decades, as leader Kim Jong-un seeks to make stronger his status and chart a vision for the future.

Thousands of delegates are meeting for a choreographed show of support being seen as an unofficial coronation, BBC reports on Friday (May 6).

The run-up to the congress has seen attempts at missile launches amid speculation the North will conduct a fifth nuclear test. Sanctions on North Korea were tightened after it conducted a fourth nuclear test in January, and subsequent missile tests.

In the seventh party congress, the first since 1980, experts say Kim Jong-un is likely to declare his so-called ‘Byongjin’ policy, which is the simultaneous push towards economic development and nuclear capability.

The state has allowed foreign journalists to cover the congress, although their movements are controlled and they are not allowed access to ordinary North Koreans.

BDST: 1041 HRS, May 6, 2016
SAS/AKA