South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol confirmed that his country will defend liberal democracy by force, by deterring the threats posed by the advanced nuclear and missile program and other provocations of North Korea. President Yoon, during a ceremony commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Korean Freedom Foundation, criticized North Korea's recent signing of a mutual defense treaty with Russia and sending balloons filled with garbage across the border. Yoon said, according to the South Korean Yonhap Agency: 'Our government will resolutely defend the freedom and prosperity of citizens with force, not just words. We will not retreat a single step from protecting the freedom and lives of our people, and ensuring that no one dares to threaten the country.' He stressed the importance of adhering to the values of liberal democracy and a free market economy. Source: National Iraqi News Agency