“We must succeed in our pursuit of inter-Korean reconciliation and cooperation, so that we may reconcile with North Korea, establish lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula, set up a structure of peace in Northeast Asia, set in motion new commercial mechanisms across future domestic Korean markets with 100 million potential consumers as well as the regional Northeast Asian markets with 700 million consumers, and play a leading role in international efforts for regional prosperity.” (From a stump speech delivered for “Roh Moo-hyun Supporters” at a rally in Mooju, Jeolla-namdo Province, November 10, 2001)
“The aid we provide North Korea contains investments not just for future economic prosperity but for securing peace.” (From a special interview with JoongAng Ilbo on the occasion of the daily’s founding anniversary, September 24, 2002)
“I urge the government, opposition parties and people of the Republic of Korea to perform the following in order to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue wisely. First, the government should play an active and leading role abroad in finding a workable solution to the nuclear issue. Given the possibility that the current standoff may escalate into a national crisis like the one in 1993, the government must secure support from the whole population and, in particular, cooperation from opinion leaders.
I also appeal to the U.S. and other members of the international community. By exercising its utmost patience, the U.S. should not give up its efforts to settle the North Korean nuclear issue through dialogue and persuasion. I call on the U.S. to ultimately seek a fundamental solution to put an end to the Cold War on the Korean peninsula in a peaceful manner. I also hope that Japan, China, Russia and EU members will join hands to promote this initiative.
North Korea must reach a final decision to abandon its nuclear program. It must wake up to the fact that attainment of its internal and external goals will be impossible without settlement of its nuclear issue.” (From an address at the Peace Forum, October 25, 2002)
“Some people have somewhat negative feelings about the existence itself of the U.S. forces in the Republic of Korea. However, it is a historical fact that the U.S. forces served as a safety pin to safeguard our security. They still function as a safety pin for security of the Korean peninsula, contributing to peace on the peninsula. We should not overlook these relations.
Regarding whether the existence of U.S. forces in a foreign country necessarily constitutes infringement of its sovereignty, I would like to give you an example of the U.S. forces stationed in Germany. German people do not seem to feel that their autonomy is being violated due to the existence of the U.S. forces. As far as I know, the U.S. forces are stationed in Germany to serve the needs of both countries.” (From an answer at the KBS National Forum, November 7, 2002)
“If North Korea acted rationally based on common sense, it would be easy to deal with the country. In light of diplomatic practices and relations among nations in the international community, it is extremely hard to understand and sound out North Korea due to its countless unexpected behaviors. Under the circumstances, it is very difficult to decide on principles regarding how to deal with North Korea.
To our great regret and perplexity, North Korea has weapons of mass destruction. In addition, North Korea has sparked a nuclear standoff recently. Though not identified in detail, this situation undermines mutual trust significantly, and also creates serious uncertainties concerning security on the Korean peninsula. Therefore, it must be resolved without fail.
At this moment, the U.S. forces stationed in the Republic of Korea are still serving as a safety pin on the Korean peninsula. I believe that they are essential to our security. In addition, they will continue to play the role of balancer guaranteeing balance of power in Asia.” (From an address at a security lecture meeting hosted by the Korean Veterans Association, November 21, 2002)
“Reunification is not a technical procedure but a process for which we have to build trust and accumulate for peace.” (From a TV debate among three presidential candidates on the subject of inter-Korean unification, December 3, 2002)
“My policy toward the United States will not be significantly different from that of President Kim Dae-Jung. Bilateral relations between the Republic of Korea and the U.S. were further promoted under the leadership of the ‘Government of People.’ I will endeavor to enhance the relations of the two countries to a more balanced level based on reciprocity.
Many people still doubt the effect of dialogue and negotiation, posing a question whether they will effectively deter North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction and bring peace. However, I embrace dialogue and negotiation because other alternatives are too dangerous. The reason why I believe in the effect of dialogue and negotiation is that North Korea has decided to take the path to opening and reform, and it desperately needs external assistance.
When I assume the presidency, I will meet with Kim Jong-il, chairman of the North Korean National Defense Commission, and convince him that nuclear weapons will not work in favor of safety of the country. I will also reassure him that the Republic of Korea will seek to guarantee the security of North Korea.” (During the Press Conference for International correspondents, December 4, 2002)
“We must not confuse unification with peace. Unification is a much slower process, and what’s urgently needed for now is a peace mechanism. The “unification by absorption” concept, however, can pose a grave threat against peace on the Korean Peninsula. We must be clear on a “peace-first, unification-later” position. (From a speech delivered at the “International Forum for Economic Cooperation in East Asia,” October 31, 2002)
“I am very well aware of the pressing tasks and tough challenges confronting the Republic of Korea. As president-elect, I will do my best to eliminate tension on the Korean peninsula triggered by the North Korean nuclear standoff. I will take the initiative to find a peaceful solution to the nuclear issue, while pursuing close trilateral cooperation with the U.S. and Japan.
Regarding outstanding issues between the Republic of Korea and the U.S. such as the proposed revision of the SOFA, I will convey the earnest hopes of the Korean people, together with my position on the issues, to the governments of the two countries. The traditional bond of ties and alliance between the two countries must be further consolidated in the 21st century. Their bilateral relations need to be deepened on the basis of genuine mutual understanding and cooperation of their people, beyond the official relations at the government level.
I will exert efforts to ensure that the two countries will treat each other with respect and dignity as civilized nations seeking to promote the universal values of human beings. I will also pursue closer cooperation with other countries such as Japan, China, Russia and EU members to safeguard and promote peace on the Korean peninsula.” (From a joint press conference for domestic journalists and international correspondents, December 20, 2002)
“Regardless of whatever causes North Korea embraces, the series of nuclear measures taken by the country is not desirable for peace and stability in Northeast Asia including the Korean Peninsula. It will never promote the stability and prosperity of North Korea itself. North Korea must withdraw its recent nuclear measures and restore the relevant facilities and equipment to their original state.
These measures betray the expectations of the international community that no more weapons of mass destruction will be proliferated, and also go against the aspirations of the Korean people that permanent peace will be brought to the Korean peninsula.
If North Korea continuously engages in acts that cannot win support from the international community, it will fail to gain the support of the South Korean public. When South Korean people’s fears about the measures taken by North Korea are fanned, they will place constraints on the South Korean government and the role of the new leader at its helm, and may possibly have an unfavorable impact on ongoing inter-Korean exchange.” (From a statement regarding North Korea, December 27, 2002)
“You may feel uneasy about the possibility that the escalating tension caused by the North Korean nuclear standoff may lead to a war. Please don’t worry and perform your duties as you have done so far. I am confident that I will be able to defuse the crisis through dialogue.
You may feel curious about possible disarmament due to the proposed reduction of the military service period. However, I have a firm belief that any arms reduction must be preceded by the easing and elimination of tension. Young men in this country must be enlisted in the military forces to the utmost possible extent, with the period of their service reduced and combating power enhanced, so as not to pose any problem to national security.” (From an address during his visit to a frontline military unit, December 27, 2002)
“The recent rallies and candle light vigils in which many citizens took part were their way of expressing desire to develop the Korea-U.S. relationship into a true partnership based on close friendship and cooperation by first letting Korea-US relations stand on equal terms. Their enthusiasm has added a new impetus to the effort to build a more mature relationship between the two countries.” (From a conversation with the “Pan-Korean Committee for Two Girls Killed by a U.S. Army Armored Vehicle,” December 28, 2002)
“We will continue to cooperate with the international community but mainly play a lead role.” “(The North Korean nuclear issue) shows signs of going beyond the boundary of inter-Korean relations and becoming an issue between North Korea and the United States, and on the international stage.” “Because the issue is directly linked to the survival of the Korean Peninsula, we must lead the effort to resolve it.” “I believe we can resolve it through dialogue and, as a matter of fact, will do so eventually.” “We will work with the international community, including the United States and Japan, to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue diplomatically and in an appropriate manner.” (From comments on the North Korean nuclear issue during a visit to Gyeryongdae, December 30, 2002)
“Korea must build a highly advanced military with knowledge-based intelligence capabilities befitting the challenges of the 21st century, so that we can effectively defend ourselves from existing as well as future threats.” “To build such a military with advanced capabilities and maximize its combat readiness, Korea has yet to make greater investments in the military and build up the capabilities of all forces of the Military, Army, Navy and Air Force, in a balanced way.” (From comments on the future role of the military during a visit to Gyeryongdae headquarters, December 30, 2002)
“(With regard to his comment on possible withdrawal of the U.S. forces stationed in the Republic of Korea during his meeting with the chiefs of staff of the armed forces, navy and air forces) I did not make the comment based on specific information. I just had knowledge, based on some news reports, that the issue was being raised. I also touched upon a potential limited attack by the U.S. on North Korea concerning its nuclear program as the issue was already reviewed and reported in 1994.
In my judgment that nationwide programs or various scenarios available for selection, concerning such major issues, are not in place, I asked relevant questions to the personnel in charge. I just intended to give them a wake-up call.” (During the year-end meeting with journalists, December 31, 2002)
“I believe that my fellow Koreans are seriously concerned about the North Korean nuclear standoff. Feeling uneasy myself, I engaged in a lot of discussions and reviews. Thus, I have finally come to the conclusion that we can resolve the situation through dialogue and negotiation if we join our efforts.
I am confident. I will certainly find a solution to the North Korean nuclear issue. I also assure you that a permanent peace will be brought to the Korean peninsula. In addition, I will pave the way for the Republic of Korea to become a hub of Northeast Asia.” (From the New Year’s address, January 1, 2003)
“The North Korean nuclear issue must be resolved peacefully, and the only way to achieve it is through dialogue.” (From a meeting with former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori in connection with earlier conversations between Roh and U.S. Envoy James Kelley, January 13, 2003)
“The alliance between the Republic of Korea and the U.S. was, is and will be treasured. Only a few people voice their anti-Americanism. I hope that the U.S. will remain a staunch ally of the Republic of Korea in the future.
As I have repeatedly mentioned, the American forces stationed in Korea are and will be necessary. Candlelight rallies by young Koreans are mainly aimed at revising the SOFA, which is based on the premise that the U.S. forces will be continuously stationed in the country.
My basic position is that North Korea’s nuclear program is definitely unacceptable. I believe that this issue can be thoroughly resolved through dialogue and negotiation.” (At a meeting with James Kelly, assistant secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, January 13, 2003)
We, Koreans, hope that the Republic of Korea and the United States will forge more constructive and rational ties. I object to the idea of interpreting the protest of the Korean people as a burst of anti-American sentiment.
Many Korean people feel grateful for the sacrifice of young Americans during the Korean War to safeguard peace and freedom. Unfortunately, it is true that there are some people who harbor anti-American sentiment. However, I believe that we will be able to work out a solution to this situation on the basis of the friendly relations of the two countries.
The alliance between the two countries is the axis of security on the Korean peninsula, and the American forces stationed here constitute its foundation. Together with the forces of the Republic of Korea, they have enormously contributed to deterring war on the peninsula and promoting stability in Northeast Asia. Their presence is and will be necessary for peace and stability on the peninsula.
North Korea’s nuclear weapons program cannot be tolerated and must be resolved peacefully through dialogue and diplomacy in the international community, based on close cooperation between the Republic of Korea and the United States. In addition, their strong alliance will lay the groundwork for settlement of the North Korean nuclear issue. The two countries must further promote their blood-tied relations of five decades.” (From a speech during his visit to the ROK-US Combined Forces Command, January 15, 2003)
“North Korea must not produce nuclear weapons, and the North Korean nuclear issue must be resolved through dialogue.” “Three friends, Korea, the United States and Japan, must cooperate closely to resolve the issue.” “The cooperation between Korea and Japan is also very important in resolving the issue. I will also work with China, Russia and the EU in consulting the issue and will seek their cooperation.” (From a conversation with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi, January 16, 2003)
“I believe that anti-American sentiments calmed down while there has been a surge in the self-assertiveness among the Korean people. Some people label me anti-American, but I am not. I only plan to be the confident leader of Korea, the world’s 12th largest economy, and foster a more “horizontal (equal) relationship.” (From answers to questions on anti-Americanism at a KBS TV debate, January 18, 2003)
“The North will eventually give up its nuclear programs and choose security and aid. Judging from what the North has committed itself thus far, we are sure that it very much wants a security guarantee and hopes to pursue reforms and open up toward the outside world. In the course of pursuing the reforms and openness, the North would definitely need the aid from the South and other neighboring countries. I will say that the North will eventually give up nuclear programs because that is a logical and sound course to resolve the situation.” (From a KBS-TV debate on North Korean issues, January 18, 2003)
“Although some Koreans, including younger-generation Koreans, have extensively expressed critical views of the United States, it would not be correct to label them anti-American. They only desire the diplomatic relationship between Korea and the United States to stand on an independent and equal footing. They want to foster confidence as a nation so that we can say “right” or “wrong” when the actions of the United States are right or wrong. There is nothing more to it." “Koreans demand a revision in the Korea-US SOFA agreement but always on the premise that the U.S. forces would continue to stay in Korea. What the people want is an equal relationship, in which they can choose to consent or oppose on matters concerning them. Problems that may appear to exist between the two countries often do not exist in their relationship but in the internal debate in Korea. It seems to me that Americans themselves believe it to be fair for Koreans with sound common sense and reasonable views to present their stance and demands in a rational way.” (From an interview with the Japanese daily Asahi on anti-American sentiments, January 23, 2003)
“I campaigned on a proposal to organize a six-nation consultative body devoted to peace and prosperity of Northeast Asia. I will consult experts and make a formal proposal on the matter at an appropriate time.” (From an interview with the Japanese daily Asahi on the subject of Japan, China and Russia for their roles in Northeast Asia, January 23, 2003)
“In Korea-Japan relations, I believe that the issue of the past has not been resolved satisfactorily, at least not in the eyes of the Korean people. At the same time, I also believe that the past should not put a shackle on the future relationship of the two countries, barring it from moving forward, because moving forward is important. I understand that dialogue has been under way to resolve the Japanese history textbook issue in a reasonable way. We all have to make an effort to resolve the issue through cooperation so that it won’t develop into an emotionally charged confrontation.” (From comments during an interview with the Asahi on Korea-Japan issues, including Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi’s visit to the Yasukuni Shrine and the past history of the two countries, January 23, 2003)
“In my view, the United Nations should not decide whether to put sanctions on North Korea but instead seek ways to encourage dialogue on how to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue, if and when the issue is sent to the UN. Because sanctions, when they intensify, can cause serious tensions and heighten the possibility of war on the Korean Peninsula. The UN should discuss not sanctions but ways to resolve the matter.” (From an interview with CNN on implications of a possible referral of the North Korean issue to the UN, January 25, 2003)
“Korea and the United States are long-time allies. We have received strong support from the United States militarily and economically over many years, and we should not forget that. We consider the U.S. a close ally and clearly understand that the US forces in Korea have played a very important role for the defense of Korea. Koreans also know that the USFK will continue to play a vital role for preventing disputes and preserving peace in Northeast Asia. The United States should have nothing to be concerned about on this matter.” (From an interview with CNN on the role of U.S. forces in Korea, January 25, 2003)
“I plan to pursue a ‘policy of cooperation for peace’ in dealing with issues concerning inter-Korean relations. That policy will be carried out through combined efforts to enhance cooperation with both North Korea and the United States.” “I will contribute to peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula as well as in Northeast Asia by successfully carrying out my North Korea policies aimed at inter-Korean reconciliation and cooperation.” (From comments made at the Kwangju/Jeolla-namdo Province regional branch meetings of the New Millennium Democratic Party, January 28, 2003) |