In his commemorative speech given on the occasion of the 49th Memorial Day at the National Cemetery, Roh said, “Korea is no longer a border country that is dragged along by conditions in Northeast Asia. Such a status and role makes it natural for us to preserve our national security with our own strength, and we shall definitely do so.”

President Roh burns incenses at the National Cemetery on Sunday.

About the meaning of “multilateral security system,” Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Yoon Tai-young explained it as a “general theory on organized security systems such as NATO.”

Roh also said, “For us to establish a more glorious history and to reform our security situation thoroughly, an increase in confidence between the North and South is more important than anything else. In such aspects, the military talks between the North and South can be evaluated as an excellent result. In particular, making detailed agreements on ways to prevent accidental clashes in the West Sea was very significant.”

Related to the dispatch of Korean troops to Iraq, Roh said, “While many suggest that we should participate in the multinational force respecting the friendly relationship between Korea and the U.S., others say that we must consider the purpose of the dispatch and our relationship with Arab countries. However, this is not a matter of selecting one or the other. We should gather our wisdom in a direction that can satisfy both sides.”

In particular, he proposed that the issue “should be lead to a direction that would strengthen the friendship with our old friend, the U.S., and also be welcomed by Iraq,” and then said, “I believe the Korean military is capable of doing so, looking at its recent activity overseas.” He emphasized that “a national agreement should be made on the role for us to play in the current world order."

(englishnews@chosun.com )