Acting President Choi Sang-mok, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Strategy and Finance, said, “Please maintain a thorough readiness posture against North Korea’s provocations, propaganda, and instigation, which may take advantage of the chaotic political situation at any time.”
In his remarks at the National Security Council (NSC) presided over at the General Government Complex on the afternoon of the 27th, Acting President Choi said, “This is a national emergency unprecedented in the history of the Constitution. “Political uncertainty that cannot be predicted even an inch ahead is threatening national security,” he said. He added, “It is time to make every effort to protect the security of the Republic of Korea and the lives and safety of our people.”
Acting President Choi Sang-mok, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Strategy and Finance, is speaking while presiding over the National Security Council (NSC) held at the Seoul Government Complex on the afternoon of the 27th. Yonhap News
Acting President Choi said, “The international situation surrounding the Korean Peninsula is serious. Please work hard to cooperate with friendly countries and the international community while thoroughly operating the ROK-US alliance.” “I hope we can join forces as one,” he emphasized.
Prior to this, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as well as ministries of national defense, foreign affairs, and security, were requested to be on a special preparedness posture. In a phone call with Kim Myung-soo, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Acting President Choi said, “There is a possibility that North Korea may judge the domestic situation as a time of security vulnerability and attempt various forms of provocation,” and added, “We are on alert to prevent North Korea from misjudging and carrying out reckless provocations.” “Strengthen and maintain a firm security posture based on the ROK-US alliance.”
He also instructed Acting Minister of National Defense Kim Seon-ho to “strengthen the alert posture of the entire military to prevent any gaps in national security and public safety, and prepare thoroughly to respond immediately to any crisis situation.” Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yeol said, “Based on the solid ROK-US alliance, we will maintain close communication channels with major countries such as Japan and China, and there will be no change in our government’s foreign policy stance through diplomatic missions abroad, and there will be no disruption to exchanges and trade between countries.” “Please actively inform us of this,” he instructed.
Acting Minister of Public Administration and Security Ko Ki-dong emphasized, “As criminal activity may increase taking advantage of the chaotic atmosphere, we must establish security order so that people can enjoy their daily lives with peace of mind.”
Reporter Cho Hee-yeon choh@segye.com
(ⓒ Segye Ilbo & Segye.com, unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited)
Source: www.segye.com
