President Lee Myung-bak addresses a speech to the nation and threatens the North for its aggressive policy. Joint naval exercises with the United States begin. Experts believe that the crisis will lead to open conflict.

Seoul (AsiaNews / Agencies) - A harsh speech by South Korean President Lee Myung-bak in his address to the nation after the bombing of the island of Yeongpyeong. "North Korea will pay a price in the event of further provocations. Attacking civilians militarily is an inhumane crime that is strictly forbidden in a time of war " Lee has been criticised for what many South Koreans consider an indecisive response to the attack on November 23.

The president's speech, broadcast today, came as the South Korean and U.S. naval forces are conducting a series of joint military manoeuvres that will last four days, and that led to threats and bellicose statements from Pyongyang. Although clashes in disputed waters are not uncommon, with dozens of sailors killed and a ship sunk in the last 11 years, the attack on November 23 was the first to target a residential area since the war, in the early '50s. Two soldiers and two civilians were killed.

The attack has raised tensions to their highest levels in the last 20 years, but political and financial experts say that the chances of a resumption of conflict are high. China, under pressure to exercise a moderating influence on North Korea has proposed talks to resolve the widening crisis.

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• south
• usa
• china
• attack
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• exercises
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• war