‘THAAD deployment is inevitable,’ says Ban Ki-moon

Former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visited the South Korean Navy’s Second Fleet Command in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province on Sunday. “As the Korean Peninsula is almost in a quasi-war situation, the government needs to take the measure (decision to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system). The public should support the government when it comes to national security,” Ban told reporters after the visit. “We can resolve issues with neighboring countries diplomatically,” Ban talked about China’s objection, while displaying self-confidence as former foreign affairs minister and former U.N. chief.

While inspecting the cut sections of the bow and stern of the South Korean naval corvette Cheonan that is split into two, Ban said, “Even a non-military expert can clearly figure out that the ship was sunken due to a (torpedo) attack. It is clear that the ship was not sunken due to an accident.”

“I demand that the THAAD deployment issue be handed over to the next administration. I am not making such demand with a decision that we will push ahead with THAAD deployment or reversely revoke the decision on THAAD deployment,” Moon said. “I am saying that the next administration would hold adequate public discussions, and make diplomatic efforts before making reasonable decision.”

Chan-Wuk Song song@donga.com · Kyung-Suk Kang coolup@donga.com