No Korean war without Seoul’s consent – President Moon

August 20, 2017

SEOUL – Addressing a press conference to mark 100 days since his inauguration, President Moon Jae-in said his government will do all it can to prevent a war from breaking out. ”I am confident there should be no war on the Korean Peninsula, ever again,” he said.

“Even if the world imposes stronger sanctions and puts pressure on North Korea, an eventual peaceful resolution will be an international agreement. 
“Without the consent of the Republic of Korea, no-one can make a decision to take military action on the Korean Peninsula.”
The President said: “A lot of time and effort will be needed to overcome the isolation over the past 10 years and to re-open talks. The mood for talks can be created only when the North stops further provocations.

“If the right mood is made for talks, we will be able to consider sending a special envoy to the North to improve inter-Korean relations and to resolve North Korean nuclear issues.”  

As he saw it, North Korea’s further development of ICBMs and mounting nuclear warheads on ballistic missiles would mark a red line.

“The North is nearing that critical point. We need to stop Pyongyang from making further provocations. Should the North again keep making provocations, it will face further, stronger sanctions.”  

When asked about co-operation between the Korean and US leaders, President Moon said: “We need to lead North Korea to the negotiation table to give up its nuclear weapons, and both Seoul and Washington share a common view.
“President Trump intends to put pressure on North Korea by showing his determination. Both Seoul and Washington have enough communication and agreement in this regard.” www.korea.net (ATI). 

arete@korea.kr