Posted May. 25, 2010 11:24,
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 Koreas 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 Koreas 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. Ill 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.