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South Korea Debates Further Sanctions on North Korea
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?r=279&c=655968&l=1009&ctl=145E83A:A6F02AD83191E1600002E9C2E2C9B2419574F7DCC14957C0 Seoul government
says it may join effort to keep North from exporting nuclear materials





South Korean protesters shout a slogan during a rally denouncing North
Korea's nuclear test, in Seoul, Oct. 12, 2006This week's announcement
of a nuclear test by North Korea has sent seismic tremors through
South Korean politics. The South's government says it may join a
U.S.-led effort to keep the North from exporting nuclear materials.
But critics say the idea is far too risky.

The Proliferation Security Initiative, or PSI, is a United States-led
international coalition dedicated to preventing the spread of weapons
of mass destruction.

South Korea has previously kept its distance from the initiative,
largely because of its sensitive relationship with North Korea, which
is suspected of trading in missiles and other weapons.







North Korean soldiers, background, watch South Korean soldiers,
foreground, at the demilitarized zone that separates the two Koreas, 
Oct. 11, 2006However, now that Pyongyang has said it has tested a
nuclear explosive, the South Korean government wants to participate.

Vice Foreign Minister Yu Myoung-hwan told lawmakers this week that
South Korea plans to participate in PSI on a partial and case-by-case
basis.

The initiative includes stopping and searching ships that are
suspected of carrying weapons material.

Kim Geun-tae, chairman of South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun's Uri
party, argued passionately Thursday against taking part in such
activities.

Kim warns increasing South Korea's participation in PSI could spark an
armed conflict between the Koreas.

Japanese Defense Agency Chief Fumio Kyuma expressed similar concerns
Thursday, in a session with his country's lawmakers.

He says it is difficult to know how North Korea would react to
interdiction of its cargo ships. He warned that a hostile response
could threaten Japan's peace and security.







U.N. Security Council (file photo)Some South Korean leaders argue
Seoul should not make a decision on PSI until it sees the final
version of the United Nations Security Council resolution in response
to North Korea's test.

The United States is expected to propose a resolution that imposes a
strict arms embargo, financial sanctions and a ban on imports of
luxury goods.

South Korea's parliament passed a resolution Thursday condemning the
North's test announcement on Monday.

Kim Hyong-oh, a senior member of South Korea's main opposition party,
says Seoul should back the PSI as soon as possible.

Kim says it is impossible to combine pressure and dialogue, and that
South Korea needs to choose one or the other. Under the circumstances,
he says, Seoul should choose to pressure the North.

Kim and other opposition leaders say President Roh's policy of
engaging the North has been too lenient. Mr. Roh said this week that
policy would need to change.







Alexander Vershbow (file photo)Alexander Vershbow, the U.S. ambassador
to South Korea, earlier this week said Washington approves of Seoul
taking a more active role in containing the North's activities.



"I hope the South Korean government increases its participation in the
PSI after the North's nuclear test," he said. 

North Korea has warned it would view international sanctions as a
declaration of war.