Sinking of a South Korean warship to be discussed with South Korea

Sinking of a South Korean warship to be discussed with South KoreaOfficials have said that a visit to the United States this week by a senior South Korean diplomat is expected to address the recent sinking of a South Korean warship.

Yonhap news agency reported on Wednesday that the two countries will discuss joint measures concerning the March 26 sinking of the 1,200-ton Cheonan near a tense border with North Korea in the Yellow Sea.

North Korea is increasingly suspected of involvement in the tragedy that left 46 sailors dead, South Korea has said.

According to Yonhap, U. S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton could visit Seoul in connection with her scheduled trip to China on May 24 to show U. S. support for the ongoing investigation into the Cheonan tragedy.

Washington is part of a joint investigation team that also includes officials and experts from Britain, Australia and Sweden.

A non-contact external explosion likely caused the sinking of the Cheonan, prompting suspicions of North Korean involvement, say investigators.

Yonhap further said that a preliminary outcome of the investigation is expected next week. (With Inputs from Agencies)