AU worried over Korea crisis

  1. Posted on Monday 13 December 2010 - 09:45
    Mtheto Lungu
    Image of Mtheto Lungu
    Mtheto Lungu, AfricaNews reporter in Lilongwe, Malawi
    The Korea conflict can lead to devastating war effects not only to the conflicting two countries, but to the African continent, the African Union said. Chairperson Bingu wa Mutharika said, AU was worried the tension between North and South Korea could escalate to a major continental war that can blow out of proportion.
    Bingu wa Mutharika
    "Women, children and the elderly are the most vulnerable during war. We also take this as an opportunity to ask the United Nations through General Secretary Ban Ki Moon to ensure the conflict is resolved with speed," read the statement.

    The two Koreas engaged in a brief encounter where the North shelled a South Korea island, killing two soldiers and two civilians. Widespread protests followed in the South calling for a full blown reprisal and the new minister of defence vowed his country would hit back if further provoked.

    The involvement of the United States in conducting war games with the South - with Japanese soldiers also participating - has further brought more tensions as China and Russia have protested the move.

    "The UN chief must carry out his rightful role in order to achieve peace in the peninsula. The two countries must engage in dialogue to avert the looming war which promises disastrous consequences globally," added the statement.

    Russia flew its war jets over the disputed waters of the peninsula, where the war games are taking place.

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