President Lee Myung-bak convened a meeting of security-related ministers for the fourth time this weekend at 11 o’clock this morning. At the meeting, President Lee said that he had received progress reports on rescue efforts during the night and in the morning. Those reports focused on the search and rescue operations at sea. He called upon the participating ministers and senior officials to channel all possible efforts into the rescue.

The President emphasized that the most important thing at this moment is the rescue of surviving sailors. He went on to say that utmost efforts must be exerted in carrying out the rescue mission in the belief that missing crew members could still be alive and that we must never lose hope to the last. He continued that he understood that the conditions at sea were rough but, nonetheless, every possible means must be mobilized for the rescue work.

The President also instructed the participating ministers and officials to provide the families of missing crewmen with detailed explanations on how the situation is unfolding in consideration of their deep sorrow and frustration. All necessary conveniences must be offered as well, he said.

He continued what matters the most is to shed a bright light on the cause of the incident through thorough fact-finding. The investigation has to continue taking into account all possibilities. Yet, everyone needs to refrain from jumping to conclusions. Any confusion stemming from hasty judgments has to be prevented. The findings of a thorough-going investigation have to be made public as they become available, thus making sure that no one has any suspicion.

Unfortunately, the incident left the whereabouts of many men in uniform unknown. Notwithstanding, I believe the Navy responded appropriately at the initial stages. In order to stave off any unnecessary anxiety, all officials and servicemen must carry out their duties unwaveringly.