The South Korean president calls for an official apology from the North for the sinking of the Cheonan gunship. He announces action at the UN Security Council. Ban on Northern ships navigating in Southern waters. The U.S. secretary of state in Beijing seeks China's cooperation.

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.

• North
• Korea
• South
• Chenoan
• war
• communist
• regime
• aids
• economy