Police probe mystery Cheonan letter

Local religious and civic groups have received a letter that claims that the results of the South Korean government’s probe into the sinking of the Navy ship Cheonan’s were fabricated, according to police on Saturday.

Police are investigating whether or not the letter actually was sent by the North’s central committee for the Korean Buddhists Federation, as it purported.

“We are investigating the exact source of this letter,” said a police official. “We think North Korea is trying to escape international criticism regarding the Cheonan sinking.”

Authorities said the Cheontae Order of Korean Buddhism, National Council of Churches in Korea, the Taego Order, Jin-gak Buddhist Order and other groups were faxed or e-mailed a 15-page letter which said that the committee would sever any remaining ties with South Korea. It included a signature by the spokesperson for North Korea’s Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland.

Using words including “traitor” and “puppet government,” the letter said South Korea linked the Cheonan’s sinking to North Korea without evidence and pushed international media outlets to believe its charges.

By Cho Jae-eun [jainnie@joongang.co.kr]