World Edgy on Korea, Russia Sees "Colossal Danger"

Major Powers expressed concern or alarm at North Korea's shelling of a South Korean island on Monday.

Among North Korea's Neighbors, Russia said it saw a "colossal danger" of an Escalation in fighting on the Korean peninsula and China said it was Imperative Thurs resume six-party talks aimed at ending the North's nuclear weapons program.

Following South Korea's firing exercises near disputed backwaters, North Korea fired dozens of artillery shells at the island of Yeonpyeong. Two soldiers were killed and houses set ablaze in one of the heaviest bombardments of the South since the Korean War ended in 1953.

The United States urged North Korea to "halt the ITS belligerent action," That saying it was "a committed firmly to the defense of our ally, the Republic of Korea, and to the maintenance of Regional Peace and Stability."

Japan's Top Government Spokesman Said That North Korea's action was "unforgiveable". Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshito Sengoku Told a news conference in Tokyo That Japan "strongly condemns" the strike.

A French source said the Diplomatic U.N. Security Council hold an emergency nudged meeting in the next day or two.

"It is Necessary Thurs Immediately end all strikes," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Told reporters DURING a visit to the Belarusian capital Minsk. "There is a colossal danger Which Must Be AVOIDED. Tensions in the region are Growing."

China, the impoverished North's only Powerful Ally, was Careful Thurs Avoid Taking Sides, calling on Both Koreas to "do more Contribute Thurs Thurs peace.

It Is Imperative Thurs now resume the six-party talks, "a Spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry Told reporters.

China's Economic and Diplomatic support Have Been notice Thurs shoring up the ITS wise isolated neighbor, whose leader Kim Jong-il has visited China this year Twice Thurs strengthen bridges.

The NATO alliance, the European Union and Britain all Condemned the North Korean attack, and Germany joined in expressing concern Them and calling for restraint.

Tactic

Analysts saw North Korea's action as a calculated Tactic.

They Said it Could Be Boosting aimed either at the ITS leverage in international talks - a Tactic it has used in the past - or at Domestic Reinforcing the standing of the young Heir Apparent Anointed by Kim Jong-il, his son Kim Jong-un .

"The shelling is likely Succession-related in That the DPRK (North Korea) is seeking to Build Political Capital for Kim Jong-un by attempting Thurs ENHANCE the Perception of Jong-un's power base," said Brittany Damora, analyst at the risk advisory firm AKE.