By Christian Oliver in Seoul
South Korea’s foreign minister on Wednesday blamed North Korea for torpedoing one of its warships, which sank on March 26 with the loss of 46 lives, a day before Seoul was due to make its formal response to the incident which has put a serious strain on relations.
The accusation by Yu Myung-hwan suggested that an official accusation from Seoul would be announced on Thursday, which would open the way for what the government vowed would be a “stern response”.
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The military had blamed North Korea involvement from the outset, but the South Korean president demanded a painstaking international investigation to prevent an unnecessary conflagration.
Washington is increasingly concerned that tensions on the peninsula could spiral out of control. Hillary Clinton, US secretary of state, will visit Seoul next week following a trip to Beijing, in which she is expected to discuss the crisis.
The foreign minister on Wednesday said it was “obvious” that North Korea was responsible. Investigators told South Korean media that they had found parts of a torpedo propeller, a serial number and explosives of a type that suggested North Korean involvement.
Despite this conclusion, South Korea has limited options in seeking retaliation. Seoul has suggested referring the case to the United Nations security council but there is little room for extra sanctions against the reclusive dictatorship.
China has also traditionally turned a blind eye to sanctions, fearing that a failed state on its border could trigger a tide of refugees and instability in a million-man army that controls crude nuclear warheads.
South Korea has vowed to sever some economic ties with the North but these have been largely insignificant in recent years.
Last week, it threatened to block broadcasts of World Cup matches to Pyongyang, as the North Korean team prepares to make their first appearance in the tournament since 1966.
Some officials have suggested stiffening rules of engagement in cases where the two Koreas could come into conflict, for example when North Korean ships cross the disputed maritime border.
View Financial Times article...
MORE ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC TODAY:
- South Korea minister says it’s ‘obvious’ north was behind deadly ship sinking Wed 5/19/2010 3:45 AM View The Globe & Mail article...
- South Korea to Blame North Wed 5/19/2010 4:04 AM View Wall Street Journal article...
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