Park urges Pyongyang to give up nukes in memorial speech

President Park Geun-hye said Monday that South Korea will join forces with the international community to induce North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons development program and return to the negotiation table during a Memorial Day speech.
  
"North Korea must realize that the international community will roll out tougher sanctions as the regime clings to the development of nuke and missiles," Park said, adding the country will eventually fall into further isolation and self-destruction.
  
The speech was made as South Korea marks its 61st Memorial Day at a formal ceremony held at Seoul National Cemetery. Some 10,000 veterans and citizens participated in the ceremony to mark those that have sacrificed themselves for the country.
  
"North Korea's nuclear development is a critical provocation against our security as well as the peace in Northeast Asia and the world," Park added. "It is also a hurdle for Koreas' reconciliation and unification."
  
The president stressed Seoul will maintain strong military ties with Washington, adding it will not hesitate to strike back against Pyongyang in the event of provocations.
  
"There cannot be differing views between the ruling, opposition parties, regions, and generations when it comes to the national security," the chief executive said, pointing out all that South Koreans must join forces to pave the way for the peaceful unification of two Koreas.
  
The president also vowed to provide veterans with better welfare, adding the government will induce local firms to hire more retired soldiers. (Yonhap)