S. Korean president shows determination in consistent policy towards DPRK

SEOUL, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- South Korean president on Monday urged to further push for a "comprehensive, flexible, and consistent" policy towards the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), the presidential office said.

"We need to work hard through a not only consistent but also comprehensive, flexible policy against North Korea (DPRK) so that it may give up on its nuclear arms and step out to the international society," President Lee was quoted as saying during the first Ulji Cabinet Meeting by Lee Dong-kwan, spokesman for the presidential office.

The president also stressed that a firm policy towards the DPRK will lead into a change in the nation and will receive supports from the international society.

The president's remark can be interpreted as there has been no change in the Lee administration's principle towards the DPRK, which promises South Korea's economic support once the DPRK renounces its nuclear program and arms increase, South Korea's Yonhap News Agency said.

The president also commented on the five-day Ulchi Freedom Guardian that began in the day, saying it should be conducted just as in an actual warfare.

"The exercise should be used as an awakening opportunity for our people in national security and safety," the president said.

The 2009 Ulchi-Freedom Guardian, a joint military exercise between South Korea and the U.S., is to take place between Aug. 17and 27.