Defense Ministry Requested to, “Reveal the Truth of Gunshots“ in “Protest Statement“ to NK

The Defense Ministry released a protest statement to the North in terms of the gunshot incident by the North`s soldiers in the Demilitarization Zone (DMZ) in the Mid West front line.

The statement by the Defense Ministry was issued at `Yeon-Pyong Sea Battle` last time when the South and North warships clashed in terms of the North`s violation of NLL in June 1999.

Hwang Ui-Don, DM`s spokesperson, said, "the gunshot incident violated the Truce and it is concerning in that such incident could increase the military tension between the two Koreas and ignite a military clash." He also requested that "the North must accept immediately the request for contact by the UN Headquarters to discuss this matter."

The Spokesperson also remarked, "we urge the North to stop the violations of the Truce in DMZ and also like to clarify that the North must take responsibility for any result brought on by such violation."

He also explained that the Ministry decided to make a statement according to the public opinion that [the government] should take measures against the North`s violation of the Truce since the North had not respond at all to the request for a response from the high ranking official in terms of the gunshot incident.

Meanwhile, the UN Military Headquarters sent a telegraph requesting for a contact by the Military Armistice Commission officials after the Defense Ministry released the statement.

The Defense Ministry held a major commanders meeting of the ROK Military including Chairperson of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Chiefs of the General Staff of Each Military Group, and Commanders of Army Corps in the presence of Defense Minister Kim Dong-Shin in the Defense Ministry building yesterday morning.

After the reports about the NK`s Military moves, Minister Kim remarked, "the Military had prepared for the military threats such as all-out war, regional war, or rear attacks, but now it`s time to establish a Preventive Ministry System, responding to even non-military threats."

Dong-Ki Sung esprit@donga.com