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South Korean President Lee Myung-bak has offered words of encouragement regarding its unruly North Korean neighbor and spoke of a "turning point" for the Korean Peninsula.

"The situation on the Korean peninsula is now entering a new turning point. But there should be a new opportunity amid changes and uncertainty," Lee said in his nationally televised address from the presidential Blue House. "We have left the window of opportunity open. If North Korea comes forward with sincerity, we will be able to open a new era for the Korean Peninsula together."

Lee emphasized the need for North Korea to "suspends nuclear activities in progress" and resume the six-party talks it walked out on in the year 2008. "Through a six-party agreement, we are prepared to ease the North's security concern and provide necessary resources to revive its economy."

Lee's encouraging words were accompanied by a warning of South Korean resolve: "As long as the possibility of North Korea's provocation remains, we will maintain a watertight defense posture. If provoked, we will respond strongly."

Lee non grata

North Korea has criticized Lee regularly since he took office in 2008, mainly because he ended the so-called "Sunshine Policy" of reconciliation with the North, which was started by his predecessor, Kim Dae-jung. Lee linked aid to progress in North Korea's disarmament and continues to do so, as proved by his New Year's address.

North Korea, in its turn, has made it clear over the uncertain days of Kim Jong Il's death and Kim Jong Un's ascension that Pyongyang is not going to soften its position towards South Korea, even going to the extent of vilifying "the traitor group of Lee Myung-bak" in the process. North Korea's powerful National Defense Commission declared last week in no uncertain terms that the country would never deal with Lee.

The stick and the carrot

A day previous to Lee Myung-bak's speech, North Korea issued an annual New Year's message on Sunday. It mentioned the wish to step up economic projects with the South, and avoided any mention of its nuclear program or criticism of the United States – something that is seen as a sign the North is willing to work with the US for food aid. On Monday, however, the country's main newspaper, the Rodong Sinmun, said in a statement issued on Monday that President Lee must "kneel down and apologize" for provoking the North by stationing its troops on high alert.

While analysts worry about new provocations from North Korea might constitute a means for the young and inexperienced Kim Jong Un to consolidate his power, they also fear that the North will never give up its nuclear program since it is the ultimate bargaining chip for the reclusive authoritarian state.

Author: Arun Chowdhury (dpa, Reuters, AP)
Editor: Sarah Berning