Russian experts to depart for S Korea next week

28.05.2010 Russian experts of Navy Main HQ will depart for Seoul early next week, reported today online Vremya Novostei. They will investigate material evidence of corvette Cheonan shipwrecked by explosion on March 26 in the Yellow Sea. Now the experts closely study materials handed over by S Korean party.

Reportedly, the team initially consisted of 3-4 experts in mines, torpedoes, and ASW arms. However, the delegation was expanded; officers from department for international military cooperation were also included. Such representative Russian delegation will ensure more objective analysis of the accident and help to ease tension in the region. At present, Russian experts formalize documents and complete last preparations before departure.

The U.S. considers results of international inquiry board obvious and counts on Russia's support of S Korean stance. Official Washington has not commented Russia's decision to send experts to Republic of Korea; it is noteworthy that this proposition was made by S Korean president. In opinion of Russian military diplomats, such offer should have been made in any case.

Official Pyongyang still denies all accusations. DPRK broke all relations with South Korea and unilaterally withdrawn from mutual non-aggression treaty. In its turn, S Korea yesterday held a one-day antisubmarine exercise off western part of Korean Peninsula; the exercise included training firings, bomb-dropping, and other antisubmarine warfare methods.

Other states of the region express concern that concentration of armed forces and conducting exercise could provoke a military conflict at the peninsula, which is beyond the interests of international community.