Changes in South Korean Policy

South Korea is expected to vote in the UN on a resolution criticizing North Korea's human rights record. This is a change in policy for South Korea, as it had usually abstained from voting on such questions to avoid souring relations with its northern neighbor. This reflects a shift since the new president, Lee Myung-bak, took office last month. It will be interesting to see how this impacts relations between North and South Korea, as previous South Korean governments had usually followed a different position in the past.

Adding to this, the South Korean president also urged the North to scrap its nuclear program in order to better relations, another sign that a tougher stance is being established. Nonetheless, it has been stated that aid would continue despite these issues, which should help the North's constant food shortages. As the months go by, it will be important to notice how this new stance changes relations between the two states, and if it hopefully yields positive results.

Links:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7313955.stm
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/35E019BB-3917-46F3-AAC2-23E815F08E30.htm