#94 An Outrageous Attack

[스티븐스 대사]

The artillery attack by North Korean forces on Yeongpyeong Island has outraged the world.  On behalf of the United States and the U.S. Embassy in Korea, I wish to express my solidarity and sympathy, to the residents of Yeonpyeong Island, and to all Korean citizens.  To the family and friends of Staff Sergeant Seo Jung-woo and Lance Corporal Moon Kwang-wook and to the family and friends of Mr. Kim Chi-baek and Mr. Bae Bok-chul, I join with President Obama and all Americans in extending heartfelt condolences.  I wish those who suffered injury a rapid and full recovery, and the safe return home of all those affected by this terrible attack.

President Obama and President Lee spoke by telephone in the aftermath of the attack, and President Obama affirmed that the United States stands shoulder to shoulder with our close friend and ally, the Republic of Korea.  The U.S. Embassy here in Seoul, together with our colleagues at U.S. Forces Korea, is working closely with our Korean counterparts and other concerned members of the international community to underscore our commitment to peace and security in the region.  As I write this, combined military exercises are getting underway.  We have many challenges ahead of us, but as President Obama said in his visit to Korea earlier this month, “we can never say it enough -- the United States will never waver in our commitment to the security of the Republic of Korea.” 

We are also deeply concerned by North Korea’s recent claim to have a uranium enrichment program.  If true, such a program contradicts North Korea’s own pledges and international obligations.

It was in connection with this report that Special Representative for North Korea Policy Ambassador Stephen Bosworth recently visited Seoul, Beijing and Tokyo.  Please see the U.S. Embassy (http://seoul.usembassy.gov) and U.S. State Department (http://www.state.gov) websites to stay informed of our ongoing work, together with the Republic of Korea and other international partners, to address the challenges North Korea’s actions pose.  Let us speak with one voice in persuading the leadership in Pyongyang that its future must lie in taking concrete, irreversible steps toward implementation of its commitments in the 2005 Joint Statement of Principles, in complying with international law, including UN Security Council Resolutions 1718 and 1874, in ceasing provocative behaviors, and in improving relations with its neighbors, notably including the Republic of Korea.