Canada imposes sanctions on N. Korea

Canada and the United States both have agreed to offer their full support to South Korea. South Korea's president has cut all trade to North Korea as of Monday. This is all in retaliation for a torpedo attack that killed 46 sailors. Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in a statement that Canada's sanctions will include enhanced restrictions on trade, investment and other bilateral relations with North Korea. Also, the Canadian government has agreed to suspend high-level visits to Canada by North Korean officials. "Canada has condemned the reckless North Korean regime for this egregious violation of international law and its blatant disregard of its international obligations," Harper had said in his statement. Harper also said in his statement that Canada has pledged full support towards South Korean President Lee Myung-baks decision to respond decisively to the "act of aggression." The South Korean President said his country has "always tolerated North Korea's brutality, time and again". Lee said that they did this because they "had a genuine longing for peace on the Korean Peninsula". "But now things are different, North Korea will pay a price corresponding to its provocative acts," he said. Three experts from the Canadian Navy joined the multinational team that investigated the incident, and concluded the warship was sunk by a torpedo on March 25 near the western maritime border. In conclusion, Harper's statement adds that Canada is committed to a co-ordinated international response, including through the United Nations Security Council.


I feel as though that Canada is being a responsible ally to South Korea. Canada really has no choice other than to say "yes", we will support the South Korean government. If Canada were to say "no", they are no going to help South Korea, many of the population would feel betrayed or feel that Canada is not being a responsible ally. However, this is a very serious issue, as I believe that this torpedo incident could be the cause for a war between South and North Korea. The reason I think this could occur is because of the long lasting feud between the two countries. South and North Korea are two very different countries, they are governed in complete different ways, and their way of life differs dramatically. Also, there is no evidence yet that the torpedo attack on the warship is to be blamed on North Korea. Personally I do believe that North Korea is responsible, but they have not come forth and taken responsibility for it yet. In conclusion, Canada is doing the ethical and responsible action in this situation, and is contributing to its reputation of being a friendly ally.


http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2010/05/24/south-korea024.html