Article Posted on : - Nov 24, 2010

WASHINGTON (AFP): The United States vowed to defend its ally South Korea after North Korea rained artillery shells on its neighbour Tuesday, killing two people and touching off widespread alarm in world capitals.

In a powerfully-worded statement, the White House said the United States "strongly condemns this attack and calls on North Korea to halt its belligerent action."

It also urged nuclear-armed North Korea to "fully abide by the terms of the Armistice Agreement" that ended the Korean War of 1950-53.

"The United States is firmly committed to the defence of our ally, the Republic of (South) Korea, and to the maintenance of regional peace and stability," it said.

Condemnation of Pyongyang's action also came from Russia, Japan and Western Europe.

China -- North Korea's sole major ally and economic prop --, while expressing concern over the cross-border firing, appealed for stalled six-party nuclear talks to resume.

In one of the most serious border incidents since the 1950-53 war, South Korean troops fired back with cannon, the Seoul government convened in an underground war room and "multiple" air force jets scrambled.

Pyongyang however, said South Korea fired first in Tuesday’s cross-border artillery duel, which killed two marines and injured 18 soldiers or civilians on a South Korean border island.

Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan, whose country has long had difficult relations with the reclusive communist state, ordered his government to prepare for any eventuality.

"I ordered (ministers) to make preparations so that we can react firmly, should any unexpected event occur," Kan told reporters after an emergency meeting of cabinet members and senior officials.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov condemned the shelling, warning of "colossal danger" from Korean tensions and calling for an end to any hostilities.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague slammed what he called Pyongyang's "unprovoked attack", saying it would lead to further tensions on the peninsula.

"The UK strongly condemns North Korea's unprovoked attack on the South Korean island of Yeonpyeong Island. Such unprovoked attacks will only lead to further tensions on the Korean peninsula," Hague said.

German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle warned the incident threatened peace in the region.

And EU chief diplomat Catherine Ashton joined in the condemnation, urging the communist regime to refrain from actions that could escalate tensions.