<p>Aluminium fragments from a torpedo casing have also been found, Dong-A Ilbo newspaper quoted a member of a team investigating the blast as saying.<br /><br />President Lee Myung-Bak hinted on Tuesday that North Korea was involved in the sinking, which cost 46 lives. He promised a "resolute" response when the cause is established following the multinational probe.<br /><br />The unidentified team member was quoted as saying the explosive traces were found on a funnel that was torn off the Cheonan by the blast on March 26 near the disputed border with North Korea.<br /><br />"It has been confirmed that the explosive came from a torpedo," the team member was quoted as saying.<br /><br />Detailed analysis of salvaged aluminium fragments also confirmed they are from a torpedo, the individual said.<br /><br />"This type of aluminium is not in use in this country. As long as the torpedo was not ours, there is only one country that may attack a South Korean navy vessel," the team member reportedly said.<br /><br />The paper quoted a senior military official as saying investigators would announce their findings no later than mid-May.<br /><br />Defence Minister Kim Tae-Young told legislators last Friday that a piece of aluminium that was not from the sunken ship had been retrieved, but did not elaborate.<br /><br />The North, whose leader Kim Jong-Il is visiting China this week, denies involvement. Kim reportedly met President Hu Jintao last evening and South Korean analysts have said the ship incident would likely be discussed.<br /><br />The South has not publicly ruled out a military response if the North is proved to have sunk the Cheonan, but has said it would probably take the issue to the United Nations Security Council.<br /><br />China is the North's sole major ally and main source of fuel and food. As a permanent veto-wielding council member, its support would be crucial in any attempt to punish the North.</p>
<p>Aluminium fragments from a torpedo casing have also been found, Dong-A Ilbo newspaper quoted a member of a team investigating the blast as saying.<br /><br />President Lee Myung-Bak hinted on Tuesday that North Korea was involved in the sinking, which cost 46 lives. He promised a "resolute" response when the cause is established following the multinational probe.<br /><br />The unidentified team member was quoted as saying the explosive traces were found on a funnel that was torn off the Cheonan by the blast on March 26 near the disputed border with North Korea.<br /><br />"It has been confirmed that the explosive came from a torpedo," the team member was quoted as saying.<br /><br />Detailed analysis of salvaged aluminium fragments also confirmed they are from a torpedo, the individual said.<br /><br />"This type of aluminium is not in use in this country. As long as the torpedo was not ours, there is only one country that may attack a South Korean navy vessel," the team member reportedly said.<br /><br />The paper quoted a senior military official as saying investigators would announce their findings no later than mid-May.<br /><br />Defence Minister Kim Tae-Young told legislators last Friday that a piece of aluminium that was not from the sunken ship had been retrieved, but did not elaborate.<br /><br />The North, whose leader Kim Jong-Il is visiting China this week, denies involvement. Kim reportedly met President Hu Jintao last evening and South Korean analysts have said the ship incident would likely be discussed.<br /><br />The South has not publicly ruled out a military response if the North is proved to have sunk the Cheonan, but has said it would probably take the issue to the United Nations Security Council.<br /><br />China is the North's sole major ally and main source of fuel and food. As a permanent veto-wielding council member, its support would be crucial in any attempt to punish the North.</p>