"Gibbs: Sinking S. Korean ship 'unacceptable'"

[Clio the Leo]

Gibbs: Sinking S. Korean ship 'unacceptable'
By POLITICO STAFF | 05/19/10 10:17 PM

The White House said Wednesday night that a review of the sinking of a South Korean Navy ship, the Cheonan, “points overwhelmingly to the conclusion that North Korea was responsible for the attack.” The statement by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs added that “such unacceptable behavior only deepens North Korea’s isolation.”

The full statement:

“The President has expressed his deep sympathy to President Lee and the Korean people for the loss of 46 sailors on the Republic of Korea Navy ship Cheonan that was sunk on March 26 by a torpedo. The United States strongly condemns the act of aggression that led to their deaths.

“The report issued today by the team of international investigators reflects an objective and scientific review of the evidence. It points overwhelmingly to the conclusion that North Korea was responsible for this attack. This act of aggression is one more instance of North Korea’s unacceptable behavior and defiance of international law. This attack constitutes a challenge to international peace and security and is a violation of the Armistice Agreement.

“The President spoke with President Lee on May 17 and made clear that the United States fully supports the Republic of Korea, both in the effort to secure justice for the 46 service members killed in this attack and in its defense against further acts of aggression.

“North Korea must understand that belligerence towards its neighbors and defiance of the international community are signs of weakness, not strength. Such unacceptable behavior only deepens North Korea’s isolation. It reinforces the resolve of its neighbors to intensify theircooperation to safeguard peace and stability in the region against all provocations."

http://www.politico.com/politico44/perm/0510/w_h_n_korea_responsible_c6f485a7-eafc-4dab-afb0-6757c3492287.html

[LakeSamish706]

1. So whats the next step, war with North Korea? n/t

[Clio the Leo]

2. We are currently at war with North Korea.

We're just not currently shooting at them ... and they aren't shooting at us .... or at least they weren't.

[LakeSamish706]

4. I realize that, so the next step is to start shooting at them? n/t

[babylonsister]

5. No, let them work it out, I hope? Do you honestly think we'll

just start shooting? Ain't gonna happen, again, I hope.

[LakeSamish706]

6. I'm not sure if South Korea will start shooting or not. But one thing I do know

Kim Jong-il is crazier than a shit house mouse and who knows what route he might take.

[babylonsister]

7. Nah, he won't, nor will his son. Too much at stake. It's a dance

they're doing, as corny as that sounds. They're going through motions, but I think the powers know what the consequences would be. They still like to play the 'I'm bigger/more powerful than you' games.

[LakeSamish706]

8. I thought that as well, up until the time that they decided to sink South Korea's war ship. n/t

[babylonsister]

9. I understand that they may have done that, but don't get why. I

need to understand that before I definitively claim they're batshit crazy.

[Cha]

3. This awful...the poor Sailors and their families.

This is a tough one, too.