President Park Geun-hye paid a visit to the national crisis management situation room Friday afternoon, to check on how the government is preparing itself for any possible provocations by North Korea.


"During her visit there, President Park stressed that there shouldn't be any gaps in South Korea's military readiness, with Pyongyang posing 'indescribable threats' to the South and the international community."

In particular, the president asked the South Korean military as well as U.S. forces stationed in the country to keep a close eye on the North and prepare to immediately neutralize any provocation.
Earlier in the day, President Park addressed the rising tensions on the peninsula at a joint commission ceremony for army, navy and air force officers.


"I am going to devote myself to making Korea a secure and prosperous country. And I will respond strongly to any provocations by North Korea."

However, President Park did leave the door for dialogue with the North open.
She said that if Pyongyang chooses to change its attitude towards the international community, Seoul would immediately push ahead with its plan to restore confidence between the two Koreas and lay the foundation for a peaceful reunification.
Meanwhile, emergency security meetings took place throughout the day at the nation's top office.


"The government is taking measures to counter the current critical and emergency security situation. The presidential office will continue to work closely with related ministries so that there won't be any loopholes in our national security."

The nominees for the presidential national security office chief and security related ministers who have yet to be appointed since the government restructuring bill still awaits parliamentary approval, also attended the meetings.
Eoh Jin-joo, Arirang News.

Reporter : jjeoh@arirang.co.kr