Erstellt am: 2. 4. 2013 - 14:52 Uhr

Mixed messages

Reality Check: the confusing and conflicting rhetoric of North Korea, Egypt's underwater Internet cables, Novartis loses patent case in India, Serbia-Kosovo talks, Norway's island prison

EPA/YONHAP SOUTH KOREA

The appointment of reformist Pak Pong-ju as Prime Minister seems at odds with Pyong Yang's bellicose rhetoric.

North Korea says it is to restart its Yongbyon nuclear plant following days of escalation tension with South Korea and the USA. The plant was closed down in 2007, and while it was crucial to the early phases of the country's nuclear programme, it's unclear why it should be recommissioned now.

North Korea says it is in a "state of war" with the south, and is threatening to attack South Korean and US targets.

However, at the same time, it seems to be wanting to boost its economy and has appointed reformer Pak Pong-ju as the new Prime Minister.

Aidan Foster-Carter gives his analysis of the latest events and how they can be interpreted.

The mysterious cutting of deep sea Internet cables

Daniel Sokolov of heise.de explains the curious instances of the cutting of deep sea Internet cables off the coast of Egypt.

Novartis patent rejected in India

An Indian court has denied pharmaceutical giant, Novartis, a patent on a new version of the cancer drug, Glivec, opening the door for generic forms to be produced in India. Geeta Pandey reports from New Delhi on the ruling and its implications.

Serbia-Kosovo talks

The EU has been mediating talks between the leaders of Serbia and Kosovo over the weekend. Nicholas Whyte of Independent Diplomat looks at the talks and what they might achieve.

Bastoy prison

Journalist and former prisoner Erwin James on his trip to a Norwegian prison that is challenging conventional ideas of penal institutions.

FM4 Reality Check

Monday to Friday from 12.00 to 14.00, and after the show via Podcast or fm4.orf.at/realitycheck.