The President had a series of telephone conversations on November 24 with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, David Cameron, and the current German Chancellor Angela Merkel in connection with North Korea''s shelling of Yeonpyeong-do (Yeonpyeong Island).

The President thanked them for immediately condemning the North for its military provocation and supporting the South.

 
He also expressed that this was clearly an indiscriminate attack against civilians, and that South Korea will respond quickly to any further provocations from the North. Cameron agreed to intensify working-level cooperation on North Korean issues, and closely work together to end such attacks by the communist regime.

Cameron also pledged to deliver the message to China that it must take a stern attitude toward the North, underscoring Beijing''s role in changing North Korea''s attitudes. He also said that North Korea must take responsibility for its acts and be denounced by the international community.  He further said that all nations in the European Union share Britain''s views on the matter. He also said he is willing to help and support South Korea any time.

The President also received a phone call from Merkel, and talked with the German leader for about 20 minutes.

 
She expressed her condolences over the civilian and military deaths resulting from the attack, which she sharply condemned. She praised the President for the South Korean response, and said Germans felt solidarity with South Koreans. She also asked about China’s attitude towards the attack. She said that the attack was truly shocking, and that will discuss ways to support the South along with Britain.
 

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