S. Korea’s Lee accepts blame for failing to protect citizens
President vows consequences for future attack
SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea’s president today took responsibility for failing to protect his citizens from a deadly North Korean artillery attack last week, vowing tough consequences for any future aggression and expressing outrage over the “ruthlessness of the North Korean regime.”
Lee Myung-bak’s short speech to the country came as a nuclear-powered U.S. supercarrier and a South Korean destroyer participated in joint military exercises, a united show of force nearly a week after an artillery barrage on Yeonpyeong island killed four, including two civilians.
Amid the heightened tension, classified U.S. State Department documents leaked Sunday by online whistle-blower WikiLeaks showed the United States and South Korea discussing possible scenarios for reunification of the peninsula, and American worry over Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons program.
Lee has come under withering criticism for what opponents have called lapses in South Korea’s response to the attack. Lee has replaced his defense minister, ordered reinforcements for the 4,000 troops on Yeonpyeong and four other Yellow Sea islands and upgraded rules of engagement.
“If the North commits any additional provocations against the South, we will make sure that it pays a dear price without fail,” Lee said. “The South Korean people now unequivocally understand that prolonged endurance and tolerance will spawn nothing but more serious provocations.”
He didn’t offer specifics about what consequences the North would face, and he offered few details on what actions South Korea will take in response to last week’s attack, other than promising to strengthen the military.
“I feel deeply responsible for failing to protect my people’s lives and property,” Lee said. In South Korea, it is not rare for top officials to resign, apologize or express responsibility when their government faces public criticism.
Minutes after Lee finished his speech, North Korea issued a fresh threat to attack South Korea and the United States, calling the allies’ joint war drills “yet another grave military provocation.”