South Korea´s defense minister resigns by Zuzana Zelenakova

North Korea versus South Korea. That is a neverending story. Fear spreads that the Tuesday artillery attack on South Korean Island not far from a disputed frontier signals the escalation of the conflicts between the two countries. Two South Korean marines died in the attack and about dozen were wounded. Reportedly, also civilian injuries occured and houses were set on fire as scores of shell fell on Yeonpyeong Island. Immediately after the incident a state of emergency was proclaimed in South Korea. North Korea was quick to accuse South Korea of firing first. ''The South Korean enemy, despite our repeated warnings, committed reckless military provocations of firing artille! ry shells into our maritime territory near Yeonpyeong island,'' the military supreme command said. Lately, North Korea has been a subject of international attention mainly due to its newly built uranium enrichment plant and therefore worries concerning the country´s efforts to enlarge and enhance its nuclear arsenal. The artillery attack resulted in South Korea´s defense minister Kim Tae-young issuing his resignation. The minister has already offered his resignation once, back in May after the sinking of South Korea´s warship, the tragedy blamed on North Korea. This time President Lee Myung-bak accepted the resignation and the replacement is to be announced on Friday. In a response to the attack Seoul said it would increase the number of ground troops on the Yeonpyeong island and four other islands in that area. We “should not let our guard down,” said President´s spokesman Hong Sang-pyo said. "I think a similar North Korean provocation could! come at any time," he quoted President Lee. US President Barr! ack Obam a also expressed his support to South Korea and agreed with Lee Myung-bak on more joint military exercises. "South Korea is our ally. It has been since the Korean War," Obama said. "And we strongly affirm our commitment to defend South Korea as part of that alliance."

related story (sgx18659): http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/as_koreas_clash;_ylt=At4I18DwwA3U...

by Zuzana Zelenakova for Cantell TV (http://cantell.tv)

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