Seoul (AsiaNews / Agencies) - South Korea has suspended commercial relations with the North and is calling for an official apology from Pyongyang, which according to a recent international report is responsible for the sinking of the Cheonan war ship. South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, has also announced Seoul’s intention to bring the case for "action" against the regime of Kim Jong-il before the UN Security Council.
Last week a joint investigation by U.S., British, Australian and Swedish experts concluded that the Cheonan – which sank on March 26 last, killing 46 sailors - was hit by a torpedo, probably originating from North Korea . Pyongyang has denied any involvement, promising "total war" in case of sanctions.
"North Korea will pay a price equal to its provocative actions," President Lee said today. North Korea shipping will also be banned from South Korean waters, Lee said, adding: “If our territorial waters, airspace or territory are violated, we will immediately exercise our right of self-defence.”
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Clinton is calling on China to cooperate with the United States over North Korea. In the course of China-US Summit taking place in Beijing, Clinton stressed that Pyongyang must take responsibility for the attack on the Cheonan.