S Korean president asks military forces to expand role against new threats

SEOUL, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Lee Myung-bak on Wednesday ordered the country's military forces to expand their roles against new security threats including terrorism, human rights violations and natural disasters.

"The security environment surrounding the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia is rapidly changing, while the factors for potential future threats are being diversified," Lee said at a ceremony marking the country's Armed Forces Day held in Seoul.

"Amid the changes, the military forces have a new, historical task of realizing the unification of the Korean Peninsula and promoting national advancement. An advanced military should be strong and able to cope with terrorism, human rights violations, natural disasters and other common threats to mankind," he added.

He said the government will further improve the welfare of the military, including career soldiers and officers.