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| ▲ Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul speaks during a parliamentary audit at the National Assembly in Seoul on Oct. 24, 2024. (Yonhap) |
(LEAD) FM-N Korea
(LEAD) FM Cho says S. Korea won't stand idly by regarding N. Korea's deployment to Russia
(ATTN: ADDS details, foreign minister's remarks in paras 3, 12-14)
By Kim Seung-yeon
SEOUL, Oct. 24 (Yonhap) -- South Korea cannot "stand idly by" in response to North Korea's deployment of its troops to Russia, and what actions the government will take will depend on the progress of their cooperation, its top diplomat said Thursday.
Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul made the remarks as South Korea and the United States confirmed that the North has sent its soldiers to Russia and is preparing to send more to possibly fight alongside Moscow in the war against Ukraine.
Japan's Kyodo News also reported that some 2,000 North Korean soldiers are moving to western Russia near its border with Ukraine, citing a Ukrainian military source.
"I don't think that we are in a position where we can just stand idly by when, in the end, it will become a threat to our security," Cho said in a parliamentary audit.
"All options are on the table ... what we will do depends on how Russia responds, what North Korea receives (from Russia in return) and to what extent North Korea would support Russia," Cho said, when asked by a lawmaker if the government is considering supplying weapons to Ukraine.
Cho refuted an opposition lawmaker's comment that there is no direct interest for South Korea in relation to the war in Ukraine.
"How can you say that it has no relevance to us when North Korea is helping Russia?" Cho said, adding, "The deployment would not have come without something promised in return."
Cho stressed that the government signaling a shift in its policy for the support in Ukraine is necessary to clearly warn the North of consequences.
"It is a necessary step not only to strongly respond (to the North's) deployment, but also to urge the withdrawal (of the troops) and prevent additional deployment," he said.
Cho also suggested that China might have been sidelined in North Korea's decision to deploy troops.
"I believe there is a significant difference between what China publicly expresses and its internal considerations," he said.
When asked about the North's motive for the deployment, Cho said the North appears to have factored in the upcoming U.S. presidential election in November.
"(Its aim) likely includes earning foreign currency or securing advanced technology, but ultimately the North appears to have opted for a gamble in regard to the result of the U.S. presidential election," he said.
Cho said he believes China holds an important role, saying North Korea could have relied on Russia as China is not helping the North "100 percent."
Regarding the new defense cost-sharing deal with the U.S., Cho emphasized the importance of having the agreement ratified by the parliament to solidify its legal foundation.
"Even if President Trump is reelected and demands renegotiations, it would be better than doing so without any leverage on our part. We are preparing for that," he said.
(END)
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