LOS ANGELES, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun has expressed strong opposition to any sanctions or military strikes against North Korea, the Korea Times reported Sunday.
"The use of force lacks effectiveness as a negotiation tactic. I believe the United States, which has greatly contributed to the national economic development, will well understand this," Roh said during a lecture at the World Affairs Council, a research organization in Los Angeles, Friday.
Roh said the standoff over North Korea's nuclear weapons program should be resolved peacefully through six-party dialogue.
It the first comment Roh has made regarding the security issue on the Korean peninsula since President Bush's re-election earlier this month.
Roh is scheduled to meet with Bush on Nov. 20 at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Chile to discuss the nuclear issue and the alliance between the two nations.
Roh was expected to visit Buenos Aires late Sunday night for a summit with Argentine President Nestor Carlos Kirchner.
At Monday's meeting, the two leaders will discuss ways to promote bilateral trade and investment relations in agriculture, energy and natural resources.
