President Lee Myung-bak reiterated calls for North Korea to clearly admit to its wrongdoing and apologize for the sinking of a South Korean Navy patrol ship. He urged North Korea to take responsibility before the international community by apologizing.

In a speech at an event to mark the 60th anniversary of the Korean War, Lee called for the North to stop its reckless military provocations and to make efforts for the co-prosperity of the people of both Koreas. A North Korean torpedo sank a naval patrol ship, the “Cheonan” in March, killing 46 sailors.

Lee also called for renewed peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and made clear that South Korea’s ultimate goal is not military confrontation but a peaceful reunification.

In his address, Lee acknowledged that the division, democratization, and rapid economic and social development of South Korea have given rise to disputes among differing ideologies, income groups, regions and generations.

He stressed this generation must bridge the gap and create a mature democratic society.

The North Korean army invaded South Korea on June 25, 1950. Despite an armistice in 1953, the two Koreas remain technically in a state of war.