President Lee Myung-bak urged North Korea on Friday to cease "reckless military provocation" and seek ways for co-prosperity with South Korea, as the two Koreas marked the 60th anniversary of the outbreak of their war 60 years ago.
"Our ultimate goal is not a military confrontation but peaceful reunification," Lee said in his speech at an anniversary ceremony of the 1950-1953 Korean War.
Lee reiterated calls for the recalcitrant North to admit its wrongdoing and apologize for the March 26 sinking of the South Korean 1,200-ton patrol ship, Cheonan. A multinational probe team concluded in May that a North Korean submarine had crossed the western sea border and torpedoed the Cheonan, killing 46 sailors, but the North denies involvement. Calling the
provocation the North's worst attack on the South since the three-year Korean War, Seoul referred the case to the U.N. Security Council.
"North Korea should take a responsible attitude in front of the international community," Lee said. "North Korea should stop reckless military provocations and take the path for the 70 million Koreans to live together."
Lee's remarks came after South Korea's defense ministry confirmed North Korea issued a no-sail warning off the west coast of the peninsula in what may be part of preparations for a missile launch. The measure that took effect on June 19 prohibits ships from entering the designated zone until Sunday.
The president appreciated the sacrifices by U.N. troops from 21 nations that fought alongside South Korea against the invading North during the
Korean War that ended in 1953 in an armistice, not a formal peace treaty.
"South Korean and U.N. soldiers, you were not only courageous and genuine soldiers but also a cornerstone of South Korea's history," Lee said. "We will remember your sacrifice and dedications forever."