South Korean defence minister apologises for border lapse
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This file picture taken on May 17, 2007, shows South Korean soldiers opening a gate to for a train to train pass near Dorasan Station close to the demilitarized zone of Panmunjom, in Paju, north of Seoul. South Korea's defence minister Kim Kwan-Jin apologised on Monday for a security lapse that allowed a defecting North Korean soldier to walk unchecked across one of the world's most fortified borders. -- PHOTO: AFP
SEOUL (AFP) - South Korea's defence minister apologised on Monday for a security lapse that allowed a defecting North Korean soldier to walk unchecked across one of the world's most fortified borders.
At a press conference broadcast live on TV, Kim Kwan-Jin announced that an army division commander and two field commanders had been dismissed from their posts as a result of the incident earlier this month.
"I acknowledge that the North Korean soldier's defection apparently shows the failure of security and flaws in the emergency reporting system," Kim said.
"I sincerely apologise for causing concerns to the people," he added.
