President Kim Dae-jung called an emergency National Security Council meeting to discuss the matter, and decided to send US$1 million worth of humanitarian aid for Afghan refugees, fleeing to neighboring countries, such as Pakistan. The government ordered the entire military, police agencies and legations to reinforce guards and security and to stay vigilant.

In a televised live special statement, President Kim declared that the nation fully supports and will cooperate with the actions of the international community, adding the joint US-UK action was just and proper. Kim added that terrorism is an intolerable public enemy of the entire human race and it was necessary to demonstrate the country’s opposition to terrorism through resolute action.

The president said the government has prepared diverse countermeasures against possible consequences from the retaliatory action to minimize adverse effects in all economic sectors, including banking, foreign exchange, price levels and energy.

He ordered the organization of a counter-terrorism task force at the NSC meeting, tight inspection of possible terrorist targets including skyscrapers, the protection of Arab and other Muslim residents and their property, counter terrorism education and honest public reports on the economic situation. Kim asked for “active cooperation” from the citizens, while saying the normal progression in North Korean relations would continue.

Park Jun-yeong, the government spokesman and Minister of the Government Information Service, announced that the nation would participate in the international effort to eradicate terrorism, an anti-humanitarian cruelty, and give full support and assistance.

(Kim Min-bai, baibai@chosun.com )