South Korea leaves ‘window of opportunity’ open for better ties with North

January 2, 2012 | World News | Written by

Seoul, Jan 2: South Korean President Lee Myung-bak has said that the Korean peninsula is at a “turning point” and there are opportunities for change.

In a nationally televised address, Lee Myung-bak said in his New Year speech that peace was his priority and that a “window of opportunity” had opened for better ties with the North.

“The situation on the Korean peninsula is now entering a new turning point. But there should be a new opportunity amid changes and uncertainty,” he said.

Myung-bak, however, said Seoul would “respond strongly” if provoked by North Korea, The BBC reports.

“South Korea would thoroughly maintain national security as long as there is a possibility of provocation by the North”, he said.

In the last two years, ties between the two Koreas have been extremely tense.

South Korea had blamed North for sinking its warship in March 2010, killing 46 sailors.

Eight months later, North Korea shelled a Southern border island, killing four people. (ANI)