Lee says S. Korea closer to unification with N. Korea

SEOUL, June 21 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Myung-bak said Tuesday he believes that South Korea has come closer to unification with North Korea and the event would come unexpectedly, stressing the importance of preparing for the possibility.
"Unification would not come as we expect. It could come unexpectedly early, or it could come much later" than expected, Lee said at a meeting with members of the National Unification Advisory Council. "What is sure is that it will come definitely."
Lee also said inter-Korean unification would come like "a thief in the middle of the night," underscoring the unexpected nature of the event. "We have to always be prepared for it," he said.
"I would like to say that unification is closer" than before, he said. "I have refrained from talking, but it won't take such a long time" before unification. Lee did not elaborate why he believes so.
In recent months, Lee has made similar remarks. During a trip to Germany last month, Lee said unification would come at any time and that the South should seek unification at any cost because it will provide the Korean people with a springboard to prosperity.
But his prediction appears contrary to high tensions between Seoul and Pyongyang. The already-frayed relations between the two sides have plunged to the lowest point in decades following North Korea's two deadly attacks on the South last year.


jschang@yna.co.kr