Amid speculation of North Korea's imminent third nuclear test President-elect Park Geun-hye wants the nation's political leaders from both sides of the aisle to come to the same table.

The incoming leader will hold emergency talks with leaders of the ruling and opposition parties Thursday to discuss the security situation on the peninsula.

Our Eoh Jin-joo has our top story. President-elect Park will meet with ruling Saenuri Party leader Hwang Woo-yea and main opposition Democratic United Party leader Moon Hee-sang Thursday afternoon to talk about North Korea's expected third nuclear test and other pressing security issues on the Korean Peninsula.

Earlier this Wednesday, Park proposed holding an emergency security meeting with ruling and opposition party leaders, a proposal the DUP welcomed and accepted, saying that it comes at a very important time, when Pyongyang's warning of a third nuclear test has raised anxieties in the South.

The president-elect had also put emphasis on the need for bi-partisan support for national security, during a meeting with ruling Saenuri Party lawmakers Wednesday morning.



(Korean)

"The North Korean nuclear issue is heightening tensions. In order for the political arena to fulfill its role of serving the people at times like this, we need to work more closely together."



The meeting will come two days after North Korea stepped up its warning to South Korea and the United States.

Pyongyang released a statement through its state-run Korea Central News Agency Tuesday, threatening that it may carry out something "stronger than a nuclear test," in response to what it called "hostile" UN sanctions.

Eoh Jin-joo, Arirang News.

Reporter : jjeoh@arirang.co.kr