Removal of North Korean border artillery that can destroy Seoul is under discussion, South says
North Korea has deployed an estimated 1,000 artillery pieces along the border, posing a significant threat to Seoul and the metropolitan area
The rival Koreas are discussing the possible relocation of North Korea’s long-range artillery systems away from the tense Korean border, the South’s prime minister said on Monday, as the countries forge ahead with steps to lower tensions and extend a recent detente. At the same time, Pyongyang pulled the plug on its annual anti-US rally.
North Korea has deployed an estimated 1,000 artillery pieces along the border, posing a significant threat to Seoul and the metropolitan area.
In a speech marking the 68th anniversary of the outbreak of the 1950-53 Korean war, Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon said that “moving (North Korea’s) long-range artillery to the rear is under discussion,” as he explained what types of goodwill steps between the sides have been taken in recent months.
Lee’s comments appear to be Seoul’s first official confirmation of media reports that South Korea demanded that the North reposition its forward-deployed artillery pieces during inter-Korean military talks this month.
Seoul’s Defence Ministry, which has denied those reports, said it had no immediate comment on Lee’s speech.
