South Korea is responding firmly to North Korea, Minister of Defense Kang Shin-chul said Tuesday, rejecting criticism that Seoul is remaining passive despite provocations.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Kang said that South Korean military’s demining operation carried out the previous day was the first of its kind, and that it was a “firm response.”
“(South Korean soldiers) were serious injured by land mines North Korea planted as part of their so-called ‘border fortification.’ Our military took necessary measures yesterday,” Kang said.
“All responsibility lies with North Korea. Our military will continue to respond firmly to any actions that endanger our national security.”
Regarding further actions, Kang said that the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the United Nations Command will assess the situation in carrying out demining operations, and that Seoul will “continue to take necessary actions,” while declining to elaborate.
Kang also reiterated the government’s position on the need for dialogue with North Korea, saying that the exact location of the Military Demarcation Line should be redefined by all concerned parties.
On Monday, the military removed land mines planted by North Korea south of the MDL in response to two explosions that seriously injured three South Korean military personnel on Sept. 21. In the ensuing investigation, the military determined that the devices were planted at least 12 months prior to the incident. Seoul’s military also stated that demining operations will continue unless North Korea removes its devices planted south of the MDL.
cheesuk@heraldcorp.com
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