North Korea of "serious consequences" if it went through with an expected nuclear test.| What kind of serious consequences? |
| Yup, it's silly for the ROK to make threats. They should go on about their business, very quietly, building rockets -- to put satellites in orbit, which they proved this week they can do -- and building fast breeder reactors -- which they have to supply uranium for their nuclear electricity industry. Let their quiet actions inform the Norks just who has the ability to go nuclear and deliver... |
A statement issued afterward said Lee had insisted on a strengthened defense posture, given Pyongyang's apparent desire to take advantage of the ongoing leadership transition in the South.
Lee will be formally replaced as president by the newly elected Park Geun-Hye on February 25.
"The government urges North Korea to immediately stop all provocative statements and actions and abide by international obligations including U.N. Security Council resolutions," the statement said.
"If the North miscalculates and commits a provocative act again, it would face various serious consequences", it added.
North Korea has threatened to carry out its third nuclear test in response to U.N. sanctions imposed on Pyongyang for its long-range rocket launch in December.
It has also warned of "physical counter-measures" against the South if Seoul "directly participates" in the U.N. sanctions.
North Korea said its rocket launch was a scientific mission aimed at placing a satellite in orbit, but most of the world saw it as a disguised ballistic missile test. South Korea staged a satellite launch on Wednesday.