Tensions, uncertainty rising around Korean Peninsula: president

SEOUL, April 15 (Yonhap) -- Tension and uncertainty are rising around the Korean
Peninsula that must be handled with firm resolve, President Lee Myung-bak said in
a speech on Wednesday marking the 60th anniversary of the country's Marine Corps.
The speech, read by Chief of Naval Operations Jung Ok-keun at a military airbase
in Jinhae, South Gyeongsang Province, stressed the recent launch of North Korea's
long-range rocket has posed serious challenges to peace and security around the
peninsula and the world at large.
"South Korea will work with the international community to wisely resolve the
North missile and nuclear issues," he said, adding that during this process to
sort out the challenges there must be no wavering on national security.
Lee said that only strong defense posture can ensure peace, help the country
overcome the current economic crisis and strive to become a leading country in
the world.
The commander-in-chief of South Korea's armed forces, in addition, said that the
Marine Corps need to fully change to meet the defense requirements of the future,
and pledged the government will do its part to facilitate such a transformation.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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