SEOUL, July 13 (Yonhap) -- North Korea seems intent on fomenting internal conflict among South Koreans by raising tension through its military and rhetorical provocations, Seoul's point man on the North said Monday."North Korea appears to be focusing on ratcheting up criticism toward South Korea ... They appear to be trying to create inner conflicts within the South by pressuring us through agitations," Unification Minister Hyun In-taek said in a lecture in the southern port city of Busan.
The minister, however, said the people are not shaken by "outdated and inflammatory rhetoric," as they have matured through democracy. "Rather, the people have been disappointed by North's irrational behavior ... the government is moving forward by putting its trust in our people," Hyun said.
Inter-Korean relations have chilled since conservative South Korean President Lee Myung-bak took office in February last year, vowing to get tough on Pyongyang. Lee maintains that the South will help the North only when the communist regime gives up its nuclear ambitions. Lee said while visiting Sweden that Seoul will deal sternly with the North until the communist nation decides to denuclearize.
Hyun refuted criticism that the Lee administration has a hardline policy toward the North, emphasizing that the government has dealt with threats from North Korea out of principle and with flexibility. "I believe that accusing our government of being tough (on North Korea) is factually wrong and based on prejudice," said Hyun.