Regarding tensions raised by the Cheonan sinking and Yeonpyeong Island attack by North Korea, President Lee Myung Bak asserted today that, “We can never prevent war when we are scared of war.”
Through his speech aired on KBS1 radio and available on YouTube, President Lee said, “We now have clearly figured out the fact that only a strong response to military provocations can prevent a war from breaking out and preserve the peace.”
President Lee said, “We have endured them again and again up till now,” and pointed out, “Since we didn’t want to see another national tragedy, we wanted to keep peace on the Korean Peninsula. We believed that we could preserve peace on this soil by bearing it just a little bit longer. However, North Korea misjudged our endurance and hope for peace, and carried out provocations without hesitation.”
He claimed, “As long as we have firm resolve to risk any danger, we can actually prevent danger. While our military should guard our territory, it should respond ruthlessly when attacked.”
Regarding conflicts in public opinion over the results of the Cheonan incident, President Lee said, “It was sad that public opinion was divided. Even though dozens of our youths have been victimized, some refused to believe the result of an objective and scientific investigation along the lines of their ideas and political interests.”
He added, “Seeing this situation, North Korea considered that, ‘Ah, when we attack the South, their reaction is divided, so we should do it again.’ In order to splinter public opinion, they aim at us. Therefore, we need national unity before a strong military reaction.”
He emphasized that, “Through this Yeonpyeong Island attack, our people learned a really valuable lesson. We learned that as long as we are dragged around by North Korea, we can preserve neither security nor peace. It has made us one in our strong resolve.”
