Pres. Lee Pledges Nat’l Security Overhaul

President Lee Myung-bak announced Tuesday an overhaul of foreign policy and national security, saying the country`s defense posture and sense of security have been loosened despite the strength of the military.

The president said this in a meeting of top military commanders he chaired at the headquarters of the Defense Ministry in Seoul.

Urging changes in the military’s operations, weapons systems and culture, he said he will launch an ad hoc task force to overhaul the national security system and other major issues related to national security capability, risk management system and defense reform.

President Lee will also create the post of special presidential secretary for national security. The risk situation center of the presidential office will be upgraded to a risk management center to enhance its capability of coping with crises.

On the sinking of the naval patrol ship Cheonan, he said, “What is clear so far is that the Cheonan was not sunk by mere accident. As soon as the incident broke out, I sensed that it was an incident befitting an international issue, including inter-Korean relations.”

His comment suggested that his administration has suspected North Korea’s involvement from the early stages of the sinking.

yongari@donga.com