Lee Hae-chan: "Full Responsibility for Current Situation Lies with North Korea... Will Respond Firmly to Threats"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, warned regarding the deteriorated inter-Korean relations, stating, “The responsibility for the current situation lies entirely with the North,” and added, “If there are provocations threatening the safety of our people, we will firmly punish and respond.”

[Image source=Yonhap News]

At the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 19th, Lee said, “The actions of the North are very regrettable in that they have betrayed the efforts for peace over the past three years and the wishes of our people for peace.”

He stated, “We will firmly resolve the issue of leaflets sent to the North to ensure the safety of our citizens and prevent it from becoming a pretext for Northern provocations domestically,” and added, “We will do our best to maintain restrained responses to prevent accidental clashes.”

He continued, “Peace on the Korean Peninsula, trust, and inter-Korean cooperation can only be achieved through mutual respect and dialogue,” and urged, “We call for rational responses from the North.”

Regarding the United Future Party, he urged prompt participation in the formation of the National Assembly. Lee said, “Even in this security crisis pushed to the brink, how long will the United Future Party continue to refuse the National Assembly?” and asked, “I question whether the United Future Party is truly a party for governance. I hope they will not miss this opportunity and return to the National Assembly.”

He then emphasized, “I once again ask them to join in resolving the security crisis and quickly passing the third supplementary budget bill, as well as in addressing various social and public concerns.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.