President Lee: "Civilian drone incident is unacceptable... We express regret to the North"

[Financial News] President Lee Jae Myung stated on the 6th, in connection with the recent civilian-operated drone incident, "Under this administration, an unacceptable civilian drone incident has occurred," adding, "Although it was not the intention of our government, I express regret to the North that unnecessary military tensions were triggered by the irresponsible and reckless actions of a few individuals."
President Lee made these remarks in his opening statement at the 14th meeting of the State Council of South Korea and the 4th Emergency Economic Review Meeting, held at the main building of Cheong Wa Dae. He said, "The investigation has confirmed that staff of the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and active-duty military personnel were involved in the incident."
President Lee noted, "The Constitution of the Republic of Korea and our laws prohibit individuals from taking prior actions or engaging in private acts that provoke the North." He continued, "Even when such actions are deemed necessary for national strategy, we must exercise extreme caution. It is therefore deeply regrettable that such provocative acts toward the North were carried out on a personal level." He added, "We must carefully consider whom this really helps, if anyone at all."
He also offered words of consolation to residents in border areas. President Lee said, "Among all those affected, residents living in the border regions must have been especially anxious about this incident," and added, "I extend my deepest sympathy and condolences."
President Lee ordered the relevant ministries and agencies to prepare measures to prevent a recurrence. He instructed, "To ensure that similar cases do not happen again, I ask you to swiftly implement immediate, enforceable measures, along with prompt institutional improvements."
He went on to emphasize, "At times like this, peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula are more important than ever, and we must clearly recognize that we ourselves are the ones responsible for safeguarding them." He added, "While closely watching the harsh changes in the international order, this is a moment when more responsible action is required for peace on the Korean Peninsula."
west@fnnews.com Seong Seok-woo Reporter