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`N. Korean Surprise Attack Sank Cheonan`

Posted May. 25, 2010 11:24,   

한국어

President Lee Myung-bak said Friday, “The Cheonan sank after North Korea launched a surprise attack at a late hour when South Koreans were taking a rest. The government should make a stern and systematic response to prevent North Korea from launching reckless provocations”

Presidential spokeswoman Kim Eun-hye quoted President Lee as saying this to a meeting of the National Security Council.

“North Korea’s attack can be considered a military provocation. It also violates the U.N. Charter, the 1953 armistice agreement and the South-North Basic Agreement.”

President Lee also said, “North Korea’s attack is a significant issue. Accordingly, our government should make no mistake in dealing with the North.”

“We have to consider military aspects, the present and the future of inter-Korean relations, and international aspects. Also, we have to discuss how the incident will affect South Korean society and the economy, which has just begun recovering. I’ll announce a statement to the world and South Koreans based on the discussions we had today.”

President Lee will announce a statement on the Cheonan incident early next week.



koh@donga.com