ROK warns DPRK against attempt to influence poll

SEOUL - The Repulic of Korea (ROK) urged the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Wednesday to stop any attempt to influence ROK's presidential election in December.

In a top-level security meeting held earlier in the day, ROK's President Lee Myung-bak called for a firm national security readiness ahead of the election amid increasing efforts by the DPRK to affect the election, according to a statement from the presidential office.

Participants of the security meeting included the unification and defense ministers, the first vice foreign minister and the senior presidential security advisor.

The meeting reaffirmed that ROK's military will strongly respond to any DPRK provocation while preparing thoroughly for politically motivated provocation from the DPRK ahead of the election, the statement said.

ROK will elect a new president on Dec 19, as Lee is barred from seeking re-election under the constitution.