north korea shoots short-range projectiles in the sea after tough new sanctions welcome. you're watching al jazeera live from our headquarters in doha. also ahead, australian officials say debris that washed ashore may be from missing malaysia flight. greece says it will make long-term plans to keep stranded

refugees on their soil. new measures taken to stop the zika virus the south korean defense ministry says north korea has fired several short-range projectil projectiles. the launch comes hours after the u.n. security council voted to impose tough new sanctions on pyongyang >> translation: nok has fired projectiles. we're continuing to monitoring and tracking harry faucet has this update. >> reporter: in that news conference the ministry of defense saying a number of project tiles have been--

projectiles have been fired over the sea. sometimes they get briefings from military officials and they're talking about a range of apparently 100 to 150 kilometers, various numbers have been mentioned, six or eight to nine projectiles. unclear whether they were short-range missile or, perhaps, from a multi rocket launch system such as was unveiled in a major parade in october in pyongyang last year. it is understood analysis is underway on that point. the minister of defense is saying that its military remains in a heightened state of readiness watching out for any further actions by its counterparts in north korea. we are coming into a period of annually heightened tensions between north and south because there are military exercises due to get underway in the next few days between u.s. and south korean forces on the korean peninsula. they're expected to be bigger

than usual. there are reports that they might include reherselfals for a preemptive strike. it reserves the right to attack seats of government. we expect a round of tensions. this is the first reaction, to the resolution passage. it may well be there is more to follow in the days and weeks to come as we mentioned this follows the u.n. security council voting to impose the toughest sanctions yet on north korea. >> reporter: it is so decided. almost two months after north korea carried out its latest nuclear test, the u.n. security council finally gave its response. >> please raise their hands. >> reporter: a unanimous vote in favor of the toughest sanctions resolution yet. >> as the resolution as we have adopted today underscores,

virtually all of the dprk's resources are channelled into its reckless and relentless pursuit of weapons of mass destruction. the north korean government would rather grow its nuclear weapons program than grow its own children. >> reporter: the fact north korea defied the international community with the launch of a satellite during the negotiations over its resolution may have helped persuade the chinese to agree to these new extensive measures. the text of the resolution which is almost 20 pages long was discussed in various meetings between the u.s. and china, some parts directed at the north korean leadership among the luxury goods banned aadequatic recreation vehicles like jet skis and snow mobiles. china is still strongly opposed to u.s. plans to deploy a high

at tud missile system in-- altitude missile system. >> translation: we oppose that because such an action harms the strategic security interests of china and other countries of the region and goes against the goal of maintaining peace, security of the area. >> reporter: the provisions of this resolution go further than before, but will it p properly implemented and how will the north koreans react. in the past when they have been punished it has only provoked them to take further action joining us on skype is robert kelly a professor of political science, a specialist on korean security and missile defense issues. this was a low-level response on the part of north korea.

how come? >> i'm fairly surprised that the north koreans didn't do something more and i imagine something more is probably coming. my guess is why they pulled no punches was because china voted for it. they need access to china's banking system. the chinese are behind this, which it seems like they are. this may be one reason why the north koreans slowing down: i believe they will do something more outrageous will that be early april or may? >> yes. the intelligence services have suggested that north korea would like to do another nuclear test, but i imagine that that will bring something big. north korea has a tendency to celebrate internal holidays around - with big events for the

external world to draw attention of the external world. i imagine something will happen, yes is china on message here not because it's being friendly with the u.n. or u.s., it's on message because it is feeling threatened, because the banking sector, in effect, is the government in by ginning a fiscal middle man for what happens in north korea? >> yes. i think so. they know that north korea is a throw back around china's neck. they're aware that north korea's weapon program is becoming so baying and powerful that it's not just a threat to south korea and jap but also china itself. the north koreans said in january that they tested a hydrogen bomb. if they have that, they could do damage to china as well. i would be quite fright end if i

was them to know that they have nuclear weapons. also for their own security. as you said, north koreans is on the firing line because a lot of their banking goes through china how much further can the united nations go if it decides it needs to go further because you can't target any more people any more than they have. they're going after the institutions, trying to close down that conduit of finance and resources, but if north korea carries on behaving badly, what is left for the international community? >> that's a great question. north korea has been slapped heavily. most people think that the future of sanctions depends on whether the chinese cooperate. china really holds sway here. chinese come around and enforce these. they should hurt. they would have hurt before if

the previous ones were enforced. the first would allow china to be dragged before the international court. people have floated that the north korean elite should be pulled before them. they've certainly done more awful stuff than anyone else in the world. also north korea might be expelled from the u.n. it is onodd point that they're in there at all thanks. >> thank you malaysia's transport minister says he will work with a team from australia to determine whether debris found washed up is connected to the missing malaysian flight mh370. these were photos released last

year. speaking at any news conference the minister says he can't yet confirm the origin of the debris. >> we would like to get hold of the debris as soon as possible. that is why we are working with australia in the faster manner. on the other hand, we also send a team of 17. they are also working together inspect and check the debris political infighting is dominating the republican debate in the u.s. over who should be their nomination in the race for the presidency. a former contender seismic romney says he will give a speech later. there is some speculation that he will either stands himself again or is the republican party to look at where it is heading if it nominates donald trump.

voters digesting the results of stus when both donald trump and hillary clinton did well. >> reporter: the people of the voting states here woke up to the realisation that for better or worse they've helped make it more likely that donald trump will be the republican nominee for president >> he tells the truth. he says what's on a lot of people's minds and what people are afraid to say. it's just blatant honest. i think that's great >> i'm hopeful that he won't be the president. i think it's time to understand that he harnesses a lot of the anger that is going on about how the country is being run, but i think there is someone better than him to run the country >> reporter: in the end he won seven states. if that momentum continues he will march towards the nomination leading republican party bosses little chance to

stop a flag bearer they do not want >> the party isn't likely to do anything were donald trump to win a sort of large majority of delegates. it would be very difficult for them to try to essentially pull the rug out from under him. >> reporter: they're trying to keep him from dominating the rest of the contests. the man who lost the last election to obama said he will have an announcement on wednesday. as for the democrats the former secretary of state hillary clinton is continuing her march to the democratic nomination. her rival bernie sanders did better than expected, winning four states. he is giving little indication he is ready to bou out >> what i have said is that this campaign is not just about electing a president. it is about making a political

revolution. >> reporter: super tuesday moved it along but didn't change dynamics. up next states, the candidates have two weeks to win there in what can be the deciding factor in who will represent their parties to run for the elections greece is making long-term preparations for thousands of syrians on the border. >> reporter: they have says caped the-- escaped the violence in their homeland but they're struggling to find a stable existence as they try to make their way into central europe. a potential lifeline as the e.u. announces an emergency package

to deal with the largest influx of refugees since the second world war. >> this is to provide basic necessities, including food, emergency health care, shelter, clean water, et cetera. >> reporter: a significant portion will go to greece. it is the main entry point for the migrants. more than a million have entered the e.u. via degrees since 2015 and as the balkan countries tighten its borders, it's struggling to cope. migrants are stranded in blood soaked fields. there is a shortage of food, water and medical aid. they sleep wherever they can as they wait to cross into macedonia. >> there is not enough. this is very small. you see all the people outside they sleep. >> reporter: macedonia allowed 170 refugees in on wednesday.

little comfort to the thousands still waiting to get through. volunteers try to help. here in the area food and drinks are being distributed but it's still not enough >> food is not the problem. we needing blankets and services and a place to stay. >> reporter: the aid package still needs to be passed by the e.u. parliament and member states. the european commissioner for humanitarian aid says the root causes of this crisis still need to be addressed. >> obviously, this support cannot and will not support the problems. there is no magic formulas. now more than any member states in the e.u. need to work hard. >> reporter: political cooperation that is desperately needed so more refugees continues to make the arduous

journey to europe more to come here including these stories. we meet the iraqi refugees who bought a one-way ticket back home after giving up in a new life in europe. plus. we're in thailand for world wildlife day where the focus is trying to prevent elephants being slaughtered for their valuable tusks. tufk sk

welcome back. the top stories. the south korean defense ministry says north korea has fired several short range

projectiles. the launch comes hours after the u.n. security counsel voted to impose sanctions on pyongyang. malaysia's transport manager says he will work with a team from australia to determine whether debris is connected to the missing malaysian air light flight. the plane disappeared almost two years ago with 239 people on board. greece is making long-term plans to help stranded refugees. on wednesday macedonia opened its border with greece to let in 200 people. ten thousand more are still stuck there on the border. more now on the u.n. security council resolution on north korea. scott heidler look at how they will impact these near the border. >> reporter: this is the main gateway to north korea.

even though it is winter you there should be more tourists going into china. this couple were laid off by a chinese state-run business five years ago. they opened this restaurant and have been doing very well until recently. >> translation: our business has been affected a lot since people started talking about sanctions against north korea. there is a big decrease in the number of customers. yesterday there were only two tables of customers from north korea. normally there would be four or five tables. >> reporter: there will be a bigger impact here than a decline in tourism. one element came after weeks of closed door negotiations between the u.s. and china. they agreed that all cargo that goes into or out of north korea will be inspected. that means that any cargo carrying train carriage or truck

lorry will be expected that crosses these bridges. the responsibility of policing these new sanctions here rests on the chinese government. china said it agreed to cover sanctions as they see them as a way of pressuring north korea back to negotiations at the talks. they stalled eight years ago. china sees the talks as the best way to end the diplomatic confrontation between most of the world and north korea. an emblem of the high hopes of the trade relationship, china spent 350 million dollars on this bridge that was due to open two years ago. on the north korea side of the river, reportedly scant little work has been done. only a dirt ramp. with sanctions in place this may remain a bridge to nowhere for years to come iran has called the decision by the gulf cooperation council to label hezbollah as a terrorist group a mistake. it says it is proud of the

lebanese group and that this move is undermining peace in the union. the decision was made a day after the hezbollah leader accused the kingdom of directing car bombings in lebanon. amnesty international is accusing the russian and syrian governments of deliberately targeting hospitals over the past three months. it says it was to make way for syrian troops to advance on aleppo. it adds that the syrian government intensified their attacks. the u.n. security council says it's working on a draft resolution demanding an end to hospitals being attacked. the absence of syrian kurds at next week's geneva talks will make it incomplete. some have been blocked from attending. y.p.g. says i.s.i.l. has caused

43 death of its fighters. 140 bodies of i.s.i.l. bodies it killed during a three day battle to recapture the bordertown. three civilians also died in the fighting. a new life in europe. that's the dream for many refugees from conflict torn countries. over 3000 iraqis have given up on that dream and are heading home. >> reporter: it is a busy day at baghdad international airport, packed with iraqis for whom life hasn't worked out how they hoped. their visit to europe was a sdament, a dangerous place to stay. some experienced racism, others were frustrated by delays in the resettlement process. most just didn't feel welcome, so they've come back to iraq, back to the violence and unrest but also back to a place they call home. >> translation: i have return to iraq because there are so

many refugees in europe and the resettlement process is slow. only a few are processed. we have been given help to return quickly. they want as many as possible to come go back to iraq. >> reporter: sources estimate that around 117,000 people left iraq for germany last year. up to 40% have already returned. some blame the squalid conditions in refugee camps, others say it became clear they would only be allowed to stay in europe temporarily. this man returned home. last year he lived in germany and finland before settling in sweden. he spent eight months waiting for residency papers to be processed without success. eventually he gave up without trying. >> reporter: the swedish authorities are not doing enough to help refugeesment many have had to return home. i decided to come back to iraq when i heard the prime minister

saying sweden would only give permanent says denies to refugees and said once our countries were stable we would have to go back. >> reporter: he says he didn't feel welcome. >> translation: europe to me was a lie. i expected something different. people in europe are concerned about the humanitarian situation but there's also a lot of racism. >> reporter: airport staff are preparing for more busy days in the weeks and months ahead. the iraqi government is issuing refugees with temporary passports for them to come home quickly. it is expected up to a thousand refugees will return home this year scientists in west africa are hoping to find ways to stop the spread of the zika virus. they're using similar technology used to detect ebola. >> reporter: this scientist and

his team are in high demand. back in december they got a call from scientists in brazil asking for help with tackling the zika outbreak. they travelled to the worst affected region carrying this suitcase. it is a solar powered virus detection set. inside the suitcase is a miniature state-of-the-art laboratory with just a tiny blood sample they can detect whether a person or mosquito is infected with the the virus. >> translation: these machines inside the bag allow us to find out the genetic make up of the virus no matter where it is located or whether it be found in the blood, urine or any other bodily fluid >> reporter: currently it takes five days to detect the virus after patients develop symptoms. this can tell if the virus is present in just 15 minutes. >> translation: detecting early means we can tackle the virus soon and aleave yalt suffering for the infected patients.

>> reporter:-- alleviate. >> reporter: thousands of been infected with the virus and it is spreading. scientists believe zika could be linked to the birth defect of microcephaly. >> translation: we have not yet found a direct link between zika and microcephaly but there is an association, in that we are seeing it in combination with zika but we still don't know the relationship. >> reporter: necessity say early detection is-- they say early detection is key. this was used in detecting cases of ebola. given the zika virus, scientists want to bring out these suitcases to affected areas as soon as possible. the challenge in tabbing eling the virus is a lack of scientist

technology, something researchers here have plenty of. zika has been in west afterry day for more than 40 years-- west africa for more than 40 years. brazil thannians are using kits model on this one thursday is world wildlife day that was established by the u.n. to celebrate and protect wildlife diversity. this year the focus is on african and asian elephants. the illegal ivory trade has made the trapping of elephants lucrative worldwide. it is estimated that the global elephant population is now below 500,000. at the turn of the 20th century the global population was well over two million. between 201 and 2012 about

100,000 were killed for their tusks. 8% of the population is poached annually. asia, especially china, is the main market for ivory where it is popular for medicinal and decorate use. >> reporter: either clee the elephant-- ironically the elephant is regarded as the national animal of the country. yet it is trafficked into thailand from africa and into lao soshgs, vietnam and china. there is also a human domestic demand for ivory products and it is thought that thailand has one of the largest ivory carving industries. it is illegal gallon in thailand but selling from domesticated thai el fanlts is legal.

it is thought most of the products in thailand come from al-friday can el fanlts. the government passed a law stating that owners of domestic animals must register their elephants. clearly the demand is still outstripping the legal supply of ivory. . >> thanks for joining us on "america tonight", i'm melissa chan. we looked at crime and punishment with an eye to the victims, there are hidden victims, those that the justice