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(LEAD) Overseas experts to assist probe of sunken S. Korean ship: official
By Shin Hae-in
SEOUL, April 8 (Yonhap) -- South Korea said Thursday it has won agreement from four nations -- the United States, Britain, Australia and Sweden -- to take part in an investigation into last month's sinking of a South Korean naval ship near the border with North Korea.
Under the instruction of President Lee Myung-bak, South Korea has been seeking assistance from U.N. member nations with its probe into what sank the 1,200-ton corvette Cheonan on March 26. The move reflects Seoul's efforts to enhance transparency and objectivity in the investigation.
The ship was torn in two near the tense Yellow Sea border with North Korea, the scene of three bloody naval skirmishes in previous years, spawning speculation of an attack by the communist nation. Both Seoul and Washington have been cautious about voicing such a possibility with President Lee Myung-bak instructing investigators to be "open to all potential causes."
"Our main task, right now, is to find out exactly what caused the ship to sink. We plan to proceed with the investigation with assistance from countries including the United States, Britain, Australia and Sweden," Won Tae-jae, a spokesman for Seoul's defense ministry, said.
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