President Roh, “North’s Security Threat Perception Exaggerated”

The South Korean government affirmed its broader participation in the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) of the Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) program led by the United States. A governmental source stated on October 11, “(Because of North Korea’s nuclear test) a broader participation of the PSI is inevitable.”

The government is expected to review participation for activities that South Korea is not currently partaking in the PSI, including direct seizure and search of boats and aircraft suspected of carrying WMD related products or parts, and material aid for exercises to limit such activities within and outside its territories.

Prime Minister Han Myeong-sook attended the question and answer session for urgent issues at the National Assembly yesterday and stated, “(On the resolution for sanctions on North Korea discussed by the UN Security Council) we will participate in the financial sanctions under Chapter 7 Article 41 of the UN Charter.”

Should the UN Security Council agree upon a resolution on financial sanctions against North Korea, projects with the North including the Gaesong Industrial Complex and Mt. Geumgang project are expected to be halted or reduced.

During lunch at Cheong Wa Dae with authorities of Inter-Korean economic cooperation, President Roh Moo-hyun, on measures after the nuclear test announcement, stated, “The government cannot decide independently but needs coordination with the international society,” and added, “This situation will not be resolved in a month or two but may be prolonged.”

At the tea party in the afternoon with the overseas advisers of the National Unification Advisory Council, President Roh criticized North Korea, saying, “North Korea states that possessing nuclear weapons is for its own security,” and added, “But the security threat asserted by the North does not exist or is greatly exaggerated.”

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