South Korea To Stand Firm Despite North's Threats

Former U.S. State Department Special Assistant Morton Abramowitz, center, and Northeast Asia Cooperative Security Program Director Leon Segal, left, enter the Incheon International Airport after wrapping up a five-day visit to North Korea, Sunday. The unofficial US delegation traveled to the North for talks with unnamed diplomatic and military officials at a time when the North was reportedly preparing to test-fire a long-range missile. / Korea Times photo by Park Seo-gang

From Reuters:

SEOUL (Reuters) – South Korea's president said on Monday he has no intention of backing down to North Korea, which may be preparing to test-fire its longest range missile and in recent weeks has threatened to reduce its neighbor to ashes.

Analysts do not expect a major conflict between the two technically still at war but said the North's saber-rattling is aimed at pressuring Seoul to drop its hard-line policy and grabbing the attention of new U.S. President Barack Obama.

"Our government is always ready to sit and talk with North Korea on any issue. But we're not going to rush because I believe what's important in inter-Korean relations is having unwavering and firm principles," President Lee Myung-bak said in prepared remarks for a radio address.

Read more ....

More News On North And South Korea

South Korea to stand firm despite North's threats -- Washington Post
U.S. and S. Korea stand firm against North -- UPI Asia
North Korea Willing to Resume Denuclearization Talks -- Voice of America
North Korea Tones Down Its Rhetoric -- Associated Press
Seoul, Washington to Discuss N. Korea's Nuclear Program -- Korea Times
Commander of US Forces in S. Korea Warns North to 'Act Responsibly' -- Voice Of America
Allies Prepared for N. Korean Contingencies -- Korea Times
N.Korea warns of collapse in inter-Korean ties -- AFP
SCENARIOS: How far will North Korea raise tensions? -- Reuters
Sudden Change in North Korea -- Korea Times opinion
Don't Panic Over NK Provocations -- Korea Times
A Missile for Mr. Obama -- Washington Post Editorial