Posted on 05/09/2010 3:11:51 AM PDT by ErnstStavroBlofeld
With suspicion growing of North Korea’s involvement in the sinking of the naval patrol ship Cheonan, South Korea is stepping up preparation for a diplomatic response to the incident.
Seoul will begin its diplomatic response with its allies based on its bilateral alliance with Washington and seek support from the international community. This gradual approach is intended to gain global support for sanctions on North Korea.
○ Comprehensive response based on S. Korea-U.S. alliance
Beginning with a meeting of the Security Policy Initiative Friday, South Korea and the U.S. are devising countermeasures.
A South Korean official said, “The direction of the countermeasures is both bilateral and multilateral,” meaning Seoul and Washington will pressure Pyongyang through bilateral cooperation with neighboring countries as well as multilateral cooperation worldwide such as with the United Nations.
South Korea and the U.S. are reportedly considering utilizing international pressure and enhancing the military hardware of both countries. In military hardware, Seoul and Washington are considering expanding joint drills and enhancement of military preparedness. The two countries will also discuss countermeasures to the North’s possible involvement in the Cheonan sinking at a strategic bilateral meeting of foreign and defense ministers next month.
South Korea is initially focusing on strengthening discussion channels with China while preventing a rumor from spreading there that Beijing neglected Seoul. To impose sanctions on North Korea over the sinking, China’s cooperation is essential so Seoul seeks to avoid giving the impression that it is pressuring Beijing to assuage public opinion in China.
At a May 15 meeting of foreign ministers from South Korea, China and Japan in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea will deal with the Cheonan incident as a regional security matter.
(Excerpt) Read more at english.donga.com ...
Nothing worse than a strongly worded letter, followed by double secret probation.
I sure hope the South isn’t relying on obamination for back-up.
Next thing you know Seoul will call on the UN to send in Hans Brix.
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