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South threatens Pyongyang

Defence officials vow tit-for-tat response to any acts of aggression from the North
South threatens Pyongyang
A missile launch
Published: April 03, 2012 09:42 AM GMT
Updated: April 03, 2012 09:45 AM GMT

South Korea will attack Pyongyang if the North launches a strike against Seoul, a high-ranking defense official has said. Guidelines amounting to tit-for-tat operations have been drawn up in the event attacks take place against the South, the official said yesterday. South Korea: "will immediately retaliate in the event of North Korean aggression,” he added. Previously, Seoul said it would mount retaliatory strikes at the sources of provocation and any supporting units. But now the South is promising to repay any hostile act in kind, which could involve attacking North Korean cities. Defense officials say that the South has the capability to hit key North Korean facilities, including its nuclear and missile sites. The defense ministry’s statement comes amid heightened tension following the North’s announcement it intends to put a satellite into orbit this month on the back of a long range missile. Other countries believe Pyongyang wants to conduct a long-range missile test. The North has also issued threats against the South over perceived insults against its new leader Kim Jong-un A member of the bishops’ sub-committee for aid to North Korea has meanwhile called for both sides to look at ways of easing tensions. The priest, who did not wish to be named, said it is “only natural for a country to respond immediately to protect its citizens,” but things should not be allowed to get that far. He called for more exchanges at group and government level to thaw the frosty ties between the two Koreas. Related Reports: Religious leaders visit North KoreaChurch condemns North Korea’s artillery fire      

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