It Makes a Difference to the Sheep

SOUTH KOREA ABSTAINS FROM A UN VOTE CRITICIZING THE DPRK FOR HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS.

South Korea joined 13 other nations today in abstaining from voting on a resolution adopted by the United Nations Commission on Human Rights that condemns North Korea for "widespread and grave" abuses of human rights.

As representatives of 53 nations gathered in Geneva to discuss the first such resolution approved by the commission, the South Korean government's yearning for reconciliation with the North overrode domestic pressure to take a stand on an issue for which it has long been criticized for failing to act.

Sensible, statesmanlike, and yet somehow suspect.