(2nd LD) New S. Korean gov't to hold top commanders' meeting this week

(ATTN: UPDATES with defense minister's inauguration day in 2nd para)

SEOUL, May 10 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will hold its first meeting of top military commanders under the Yoon Suk-yeol administration this week, sources said Tuesday, amid concerns about North Korea's apparent preparations for a nuclear test.

After his inauguration as new defense minister, set for Wednesday, Lee Jong-sup plans to preside over the gathering via video links, according to the sources. Yoon began his presidential duty at the start of Tuesday. Lee was initially expected to take office Tuesday, but his inauguration has been delayed.

Seoul officials are paying keen attention to the possibility that the recalcitrant regime will carry out what would be its seventh known nuclear test ahead of U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Seoul on May 20.

"We are closely tracking and monitoring movements related to key facilities and regions (in the North)," a military official here told reporters on condition of anonymity. "Our military is maintaining a firm readiness posture."

The top brass' gathering is expected to be an opportunity for Lee, a former three-star Army general, to highlight his mantle as the new minister, get a better grasp of the current security conditions and call for readiness against North Korean threats.

Lee is to take over from his predecessor, Suh Wook, who has led the defense ministry since September 2020.

sshluck@yna.co.kr
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