SEOUL鈥擳here will be no war on the Korean peninsula, South Korean President Moon Jae-In said Thursday, despite high tensions over the North鈥檚 nuclear and missile programs.
鈥淎ll South Koreans have worked so hard together to rebuild the country from the ruins of the Korean War,鈥� Moon told a press conference marking his first 100 days in office.
鈥淚 will prevent war at all cost,鈥� he added. 鈥淪o I want all South Koreans to believe with confidence that there will be no war.鈥�
Tensions have soared with Pyongyang threatening to send a salvo of missiles towards the US territory of Guam 鈥� although it appears to have backed off for now. US President Donald Trump has promised 鈥渇ire and fury鈥� and said that Washington鈥檚 weapons were 鈥渓ocked and loaded鈥�.
The intense rhetoric on both sides has raised fears of a miscalculation leading to catastrophic consequences 鈥� Pyongyang has vast artillery forces deployed within range of Seoul, where millions of people live.
But Moon said Seoul effectively had a veto on military action by the US, its security ally and protector.
鈥淣o one can make a decision on military action on the Korean peninsula without our agreement,鈥� he said.
鈥淭he US and President Trump also said, no matter what option they take about North Korea, all decisions will be made after consulting with and getting agreement with the Republic of Korea.鈥�