Staff Reporter
President Lee Myung-bak called for more global attention on North Korea's nuclear threats in Washington, D.C., Monday, saying South Korea will seek closer cooperation with the international community for a peaceful resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue.
During a 90-minute dinner hosted by U.S. President Barack Obama for participants of the Nuclear Security Summit, Lee said Seoul is more concerned about nuclear weapons threats than any other nation as it is directly exposed to Pyongyang's nuclear capabilities.
Lee is one of the leaders of 47 nations participating in the two-day summit, aimed at solidifying international cooperation for the peaceful use of atomic energy and preventing nuclear materials from falling into the hands of terrorists.
After arriving in the U.S. capital Sunday afternoon, he attended two sessions on terrorist groups and nuclear non-proliferation. He is scheduled to return home today.
The participating heads of states took turns making remarks during the dinner focused on ``reviewing the threats of nuclear terrorism and discussing potential responses,'' Cheong Wa Dae said.
They agreed that nuclear terror is the ``most substantial threat'' facing contemporary mankind.
In an address, Lee pointed out that atomic power is a double-edged sword, as it can be beneficial if used peacefully as clean energy, but can also cause a catastrophe if turned into weapons.
With regard to the North Korean nuclear issue, President Lee stressed that his government is making active efforts to prevent North Korea from possessing nuclear weapons based on cooperation with the other nations involved in the six-party denuclearization talks, according to the presidential office.
Pyongyang conducted two underground nuclear tests in 2006 and 2009 but the international community does not recognize it as a nuclear power.
The reclusive nation withdrew from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty in 2003. The six-party talks, also involving the U.S., China, Russia and Japan, have been long stalled due to the North's refusal to join a new round. North Korea wasn't invited to the nuclear summit.
In the Nuclear Posture Review (NPR), the U.S. roadmap for nuclear policy that was unveiled last week, Washington said it will not deploy or threaten use of nuclear weapons against a country that possesses no nuclear weapons of its own and complies with the nonproliferation treaty and its obligations.
However, the U.S. will exceptionally deal with North Korea and Iran because they are not in compliance with the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. ``For them, all bets are off. All options are on the table,'' Defense Secretary Robert Gates said.
``I don't think North Korea will abandon the program voluntarily. That's why the international community must collaborate on the issue. We need stronger and more effective measures against the North,'' Lee said in an interview with The Washington Post, published Monday.
이 대통령, 대北핵 국제적 협력 촉구
이명박 대통령은 미국 워싱턴에서 12일 북한의 핵 위협에 대한 세계의 관심을 촉구하면서, 북한의 핵 문제와 관련해 국제 사회와 더욱 가까운 협력관계를 찾겠다고 말했다.
이 대통령은 핵안보 정상회담 후 버락 오바마 미 대통령이 주최한 90분간의 저녁 만찬 중 서울은 평양의 핵 공격에 직접적으로 노출돼 다른 어느 나라보다 핵 문제가 우려된다고 말했다.
한미 정상은 핵 테러야 말로 현대인에게 "가장 큰 위협"이라는 데 의견을 같이 했다.
북한이 2003년 핵확산 방지조약에서 철회하면서 미국, 중국, 러시아, 그리고 일본을 포함한 6자 회담이 오랫동안 중단됐다.
이 대통령은 워싱턴포스트지와의 인터뷰에서 "북한이 자발적으로 핵을 포기할 것 같지 않다. 그렇기 때문에 국제사회에서 이 문제에 대해 힘을 합쳐야 한다. 우리는 더 강하고, 더 효과적인 방법으로 북한에 맞서야 한다"고 밝혔다.
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