US hints at N. Korean torpedo attack

The U.S. government believes a North Korean torpedo attack was the most likely cause of the March 26 sinking of a South Korean warship, a foreign diplomatic source in Seoul said Sunday, citing solid ``circumstantial evidence.''

The remarks come as South Koreans increasingly believe the communist North was responsible for the sinking that left 46 sailors dead.

A joint investigation team involving U.S. and other foreign experts has tentatively concluded that the mysterious sinking was due to a ``close-range'' explosion under the 1,200-ton frigate Cheonan while it was on patrol in waters off the disputed western sea border with North Korea.

After examining the wreckage of the ship salvaged last month, investigators indicated the ship was damaged by a ``bubble jet effect'' caused by a torpedo or a mine. But they have so far taken care not to directly accuse the North.

``Almost all circumstantial evidence points to a torpedo attack though there is still ambiguity that should be dealt with,'' the source said on condition of anonymity. ``The question is who is it, but there are few candidates.''

As for the possibility of referring the Cheonan issue to the U.N. Security Council (UNSC), the diplomat called China and Russia, North Korea's traditional allies that serve as permanent members of the council and have veto power, to play a role.

``To refer the Cheonan case to the UNSC, the issue should be proved to be related to the security of the world community. I believe the first question has already been passed,'' said the diplomat. ``Then the support of the UNSC members is crucial.''

The council is charged with the maintenance of international peace and security. Its powers, outlined in the United Nations Charter, include the establishment of peacekeeping operations, international sanctions, and the authorization of military action.

There are 15 members of the council, consisting of five veto-wielding permanent members ― the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Russia and France ― and 10 elected non-permanent members with two-year terms.

Currently, experts from the U.S., U.K., Australia and Sweden are participating in the investigation of the ship sinking.

Seoul officials said last week that the government would give a briefing on the results to China and Russia before taking the incident to the UNSC.

``I think China has a strong interest in resolving this, not only because of its relations with the ROK government but also because it happened in its neighborhood,'' the source said, referring to the acronym of South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea.

As for growing calls by conservatives here to delay the transfer of wartime operational control of South Korean troops from the U.S. military to Korean commanders in 2012, the source said the U.S. position remains unchanged, but the issue is open to discussion by both governments.

``There has been no official discussion yet on delaying the OPCON transfer. But the U.S. is open to listening to South Korean concerns about the transition of wartime command.''