MOSCOW. May 23 (Interfax) - The new South Korean leadership is ready to use military force in order to avert North Korean provocations, while staying open to negotiations with the parties interested in a peaceful settlement on the Korean Peninsula, South Korean special presidential envoy Song Young-gil said.
"The new government of South Korea is ready [...] to prevent any military provocations by North Korea," Song said at negotiations with Russian Federation Council Deputy Chairman Ilyas Umakhanov.
Seoul is prepared to use "every military tool" in order to avert provocations, he said.
"On the other hand, South Korea is ready to cooperate with countries concerned for the purpose of a peaceful settlement," Song said.