Seoul claims Pyongyang raises readiness
Source: Agencies |
June 16, 2010, Wednesday
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North Korea has raised its military readiness though no signs of fresh provocation were visible amid high tensions after South Korea blamed it for a deadly warship attack, South Korea's defense chief said yesterday.
The United Nations Security Council said late on Monday that it was "gravely concerned" the ship sinking could endanger peace on the peninsula and urged both countries to refrain from any provocative acts. A statement was issued after the council listened to presentations from each side, with Seoul seeking UN action to punish Pyongyang.
The two countries have exchanged harsh rhetoric and bolstered their military readiness, but Seoul officials have said it is unlikely renewed tension would lead to all-out war.
"Now, North Korea is maintaining a considerably strengthened vigilance posture and as you know it's been issuing many threats and statements through various channels," South Korean Defense Minster Kim Tae-young told the National Assembly yesterday. "But there have been no serious military activities at the border and in rear areas."
South Korea has taken punitive measures against North Korea after the warship Cheonan was sunk by a torpedo attack in March, killing 46 sailors. North Korea denies the allegation and has warned that any retaliation would trigger war, with its military threatening on Saturday to turn Seoul into "a sea of flame."
Kim said South Korea was closely watching North Korea's military because it may engage in provocative acts at anytime.
At the UN Security Council meeting, South Korea made a 23-minute presentation and showed a video on the findings it reached with United States, British and other foreign investigators.
North Korea repeated its stance that it had nothing to do with the sinking.
"We are just a victim," North Korea's deputy UN ambassador Pak Tok Hun told reporters before a closed-door meeting with the council. "So we'd like to make our position clear here."
The United Nations Security Council said late on Monday that it was "gravely concerned" the ship sinking could endanger peace on the peninsula and urged both countries to refrain from any provocative acts. A statement was issued after the council listened to presentations from each side, with Seoul seeking UN action to punish Pyongyang.
The two countries have exchanged harsh rhetoric and bolstered their military readiness, but Seoul officials have said it is unlikely renewed tension would lead to all-out war.
"Now, North Korea is maintaining a considerably strengthened vigilance posture and as you know it's been issuing many threats and statements through various channels," South Korean Defense Minster Kim Tae-young told the National Assembly yesterday. "But there have been no serious military activities at the border and in rear areas."
South Korea has taken punitive measures against North Korea after the warship Cheonan was sunk by a torpedo attack in March, killing 46 sailors. North Korea denies the allegation and has warned that any retaliation would trigger war, with its military threatening on Saturday to turn Seoul into "a sea of flame."
Kim said South Korea was closely watching North Korea's military because it may engage in provocative acts at anytime.
At the UN Security Council meeting, South Korea made a 23-minute presentation and showed a video on the findings it reached with United States, British and other foreign investigators.
North Korea repeated its stance that it had nothing to do with the sinking.
"We are just a victim," North Korea's deputy UN ambassador Pak Tok Hun told reporters before a closed-door meeting with the council. "So we'd like to make our position clear here."
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