Yoon says he doesn't want change status quo changed by force in N. Korea
SEOUL, Aug. 17 (Yonhap) -- President Yoon Suk-yeol said Wednesday that South Korea cannot provide North Korea with security guarantees, but he does not want the status quo changed "unreasonably or by force."
The remark, made in a press conference marking his 100 days in office, was seen as yet another olive branch to Pyongyang, days after he unveiled what he described as an "audacious" offer to rebuild the North's economy if the regime takes substantial steps toward denuclearization.
"Guaranteeing regime security is not something the Republic of Korea government can do," Yoon said, using South Korea's official name. "But neither I nor the Republic of Korea government wants the status quo changed unreasonably or by force in North Korea."
During his Liberation Day speech on Monday, Yoon laid out the details of his "audacious plan" to significantly improve North Korea's economy through massive aid and infrastructure projects in the event it takes serious steps to denuclearize.
kdh@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
Defense chief says N. Korea's hypersonic missile 'unsuccessful' in last-stage glide flight
-
N. Korea has capability to genetically engineer biological military products: U.S. report
-
Man in his 40s nabbed for spray-painting slurs toward ex-President Moon
-
Police catch 1,681 over alleged election law violations
-
PPP lawmaker says entire Cabinet should resign over general elections defeat
-
Ruling party leader resigns following election defeat
-
Defense chief says N. Korea's hypersonic missile 'unsuccessful' in last-stage glide flight
-
(LEAD) Yoon vows to improve communication with people after election defeat
-
N.K. leader vows to deal 'death-blow' to enemy in event of confrontation: KCNA
-
Yoon presides over emergency meeting on Mideast crisis
-
N. Korea has capability to genetically engineer biological military products: U.S. report
-
U.S. 'incredibly concerned' about suspected N.K.-Iran military ties
-
Army, Marine Corps conduct live-fire drills near border with N. Korea
-
(LEAD) Presidential office denies Moon aides under consideration for PM, chief of staff
-
(2nd LD) S. Korea 'strongly' protests Tokyo's renewed claims to Dokdo, calls in Japanese diplomat