Moon reiterates warning to US against unilateral military action on North Korea

Posted on : 2017-08-22 18:08 KST Modified on : 2017-08-22 18:08 KST
President tells visiting US politicians, ‘there is no way we can go back’ to the devastation of the Korean War
President Moon salutes the flag in a meeting at the Blue House on Aug. 21 to discuss the state of the Ulchi Freedom Guardian joint military exercises
President Moon salutes the flag in a meeting at the Blue House on Aug. 21 to discuss the state of the Ulchi Freedom Guardian joint military exercises

In a conversation with visiting American politicians on Aug.21, President Moon Jae-in said, “I understand that the US is leaving all options on the table to put an end to North Korea’s nuclear program, but even a restricted version of the military option would lead to armed conflict between the two Koreas.”

The comment was made in an afternoon meeting at the Blue House attended by several US senators and members of congress including Ed Markey, Democrat Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific and International Cybersecurity Policy. “Such action would threaten the lives of not only Koreans, but the many foreigners and US soldiers living in Korea,” Moon stated. “We need to keep in mind that the Korean War left the country in ruins, and there is no way we can go back to that state after achieving such miraculous growth.”

During the conversation, Moon reaffirmed his position that no country should be allowed to conduct military operations on the Korean Peninsula without prior consent from the South Korean government. It was also a message to the US political sphere that he wishes to see a peaceful and diplomatic solution to the North Korean issue.

When questioned about North Korea’s nuclear program by Markey, President Moon responded, “I believe that we should continue to ramp up sanctions and pressure on North Korea, while also sending a clear message that a bright future is guaranteed if the regime is willing to come to the negotiating table.” He went on to say, “South Korea will continue to work closely alongside the US to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue and bring peace to the Korean Peninsula.”

Earlier in the day, Moon also spoke about the issue at a Cabinet meeting held in the Blue House on the morning of the first day of the Ulchi-Freedom Guardian joint military exercises. “The Ulchi training is a regular, defensive training procedure to protect the lives and safety of the Korean People,” Moon said. “It is not intended to cause heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula.” The President also issued a warning to North Korea, stating, “The North must not distort the nature of our peacekeeping efforts and engage in any kind of provocation that could cause the situation to deteriorate.”

By Kim Bo-hyeop, staff reporter

Please direct questions or comments to [english@hani.co.kr]

button that move to original korean article (클릭시 원문으로 이동하는 버튼)