S Korea sticks to 'sunshine policy'

A naval clash left four South Korean sailors dead

South Korea has said its "sunshine policy" of improving ties with North Korea could be stalled but not stopped, despite public anger over a deadly naval clash on Saturday.

The clash prompted South Korean military officials to suggest changing the rules of engagement at sea for any future conflict, allowing their vessels to fire first.

We'll pursue dialogue with the North prudently

South Korean Unification Minister Jeong Se-hyun

The battle, in the Yellow Sea, left four South Korean soldiers dead, one missing and 19 injured.

South Korean officials said at least 30 North Koreans were killed in what was the worst maritime clash between the two sides for three years.

The Koreas remain technically at war as the 1950-53 Korean War ended in a truce, not a peace treaty.

"We're seeking ways to prevent anything like the clash from happening again," a ministry spokesman quoted Unification Minister Jeong Se-hyun as saying at a meeting with government officials.

"We'll pursue dialogue with the North prudently, keeping an eye on inter-Korean relations. We will not be in a hurry."

Battle rules

Saturday's 20-minute battle took place on the border unilaterally imposed by the United Nations after the war, and which the North does not recognise.

Both sides say the other side fired first, although South Korean says it broadcast warnings before opening fire, in line with battle rules adopted by President Kim Dae-jung to try to prevent all-out war.

South Korea's Defence Minister Kim Dong-shin on Monday proposed changing the rules of engagement to allow southern forces to fire first.

South Korea and the United States also agreed to increase military surveillance of North Korea.

South Korean opposition parties have demanded the government sack the defence minister and review its "sunshine policy" of engaging with the North.

Recent sea incidents here

1998 June - Nine dead N Korean commandos found in S Korean waters

1998 July - Dead N Korean frogman found on S Korean coast

1998 December - S Korean navy sinks N Korean spy vessel

1999 June - 30 N Korean sailors believed killed in naval battle

"Our military policy needs a total review," said Lee Hoi-Chang, who is running as the opposition Grand National Party's presidential candidate in December.

"A strong countermeasure is the only way we can stop North Korea's armed provocations."

Feelings were running high in South Korea on Monday with the funerals of the four men who died, all aged in their twenties.

The mother of one of the men fainted and was carried away. Other relatives were led away in tears.

Former president Chun Doo-hwan and the head of the navy, Admiral Chang Jung-kil, attended the service at the Seongnam military hospital in Seoul.

Inter-Korean exchanges have been going ahead as scheduled. On Sunday, 515 South Korean tourists were allowed to visit North Korea's Kumgang mountain resort.

And North Korea congratulated South Korea on its success in hosting football's World Cup, the North's Korean Central News Agency reported.