Limited options for South Korea over sunken warship issue

As investigations continue in South Korea over the mysterious sinking of

one of its navy ships, suspicions are growing that North Korea is involved.

South Korea has yet to make an official announcement, and is taking a cautious

approach as it considers options should North Korea be found responsible.

The sinking of a South Korean navy ship on March 26 has raised tension on the

Korean peninsula.

The incident has left a scar on many Koreans - not just on the families of the 46

sailors who died, but all Koreans, who are fully aware of the threat that exists from

North Korea.

President Lee Myung Bak has not accused North Korea of being involved yet, but

evidence being found daily during the investigation is shifting the finger more

towards the communist North

If North Korea is found to be responsible - what can South Korea do?

Experts said not much, and that is why it's important the South Korean government

considers all options before making any accusation.

"What is important is not how many cards we have; it's important that we have a

plan set in stages - what to do in the first stage, the second stage, and then the third

stage. We also have to think about the reaction from North Korea after each stage,"

said Professor Lee Woo Young fron the University of North Korean Studies.

A military attack on North Korea is being ruled out. The South Korean government has

said it would take the issue to the UN Security Council - if North Korea is found to be

responsible.

"If North Korea is responsible, then it will go to the UN Security Council. As China is

one of the veto-wielding members, it must get China's full support," said Professor

Yang Seung Ham from the Political Science department at Yonsei University.

But that won't be easy. Beijing is Pyongyang's closest ally, and the recent trip to

China by North Korean leader Kim Jong Il proves the two countries want that

relationship to continue

Other options include cutting down on imports of North Korean products.

Currently South Korea imports goods made from the Kaesong Industrial Complex.

More than 100 South Korean companies work from there, hiring about 38,000 North

Korean workers. But experts said this should be done cautiously

"In this case, it will not only affect the North Koreans but also the South Koreans

doing business. And so this will have to be carefully thought out," said Professor

Lee.

South Korea could also halt North Korean vessels from travelling through the Jeju

Strait off the south coast of the peninsula. Under an inter-Korean agreement that took

effect in 2005, North Korea has been allowed to use that strait.

Seoul could also resume anti-North Korea loudspeaker broadcasts along the border

separating the two Koreas.

In 2004, the broadcasts were suspended from both sides as part of peace efforts.

Though there are not that many options for South Korea, it doesn't mean North

Korea should be allowed to get away.

But South Korea can't do it alone. Experts said it's important for Seoul to work

closely with the US to find a way to "punish'' North Korea - if Pyongyang is found

guilty.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/eastasia/print/1055883/1/.html