Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09SEOUL116
2009-01-22 06:58:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Seoul
Cable title:
MEDIA REACTION IN SEOUL
how-toVZCZCXYZ0011 RR RUEHWEB DE RUEHUL #0116 0220658 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 220658Z JAN 09 FM AMEMBASSY SEOUL TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 2999 RUCPDOC/USDOC WASHDC 8033 RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHDC RUEHKO/AMEMBASSY TOKYO 5299 RUEHMO/AMEMBASSY MOSCOW 9189 RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING 5191 RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC RHHMUNA/USCINCPAC HONOLULU HI
UNCLAS SEOUL 000116
SIPDIS
STATE FOR EAP/PD FOR SWALKER, EAP/P, EAP/K
STATE PASS USDA ELECTRONICALLY FOR FAX/ITP SCHEIKH
STATE PASS USTR FOR RCASSIDY
USDOC FOR 4430/IEP/OPB/EAP/JDONIUS
TREASURY FOR OASIA/MGREWE
CINCPAC FOR J-74
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL MARR ECON KS US KPAO KMDR
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION IN SEOUL
Subject: Media Reaction; Seoul
Presidential Inauguration/New Administration's Foreign Policy
"Messages of 'Integration, Responsibility and Remaking' in Obama's
Inaugural Address Are Something that the ROK Must Adopt"
Conservative Dong-a Ilbo editorialized (01/22): "The message that
President Obama sent to the Korean Peninsula is serious. He said
that he 'will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat.' He
also warned, 'To those who cling to power through corruption and
deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong
side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing
to unclench your fist.' Through these statements, it can be said
that he has made it clear that he will not have dialogue for the
sake of dialogue, but only when North Korea gives up its nuclear
ambitions will the U.S. have dialogue."
"A Profoundly Changed Foreign Policy"
Left-leaning Hankyoreh Shinmun editorialized (01/22): "The great
principle of U.S. foreign policy presented by President Obama is
greater cooperation and understanding. This means that the U.S.,
while taking a cautious approach to using military force, will seek
global cooperation by enhancing its legitimacy and setting a good
example. In particular, it was nice for President Obama not to use
the term 'war on terror' in his inaugural address, given that the
words turned into an ideological term long ago. Regarding the North
Korean nuclear issue, he vowed to 'work tirelessly to lessen the
nuclear threat with old friends and former foes.' This statement
reaffirms the principle of direct negotiations between the North and
the U.S. Pyongyang should not miss this opportunity....
Washington's forward-looking shift in foreign policy can offer us
many opportunities. This is all the more so because the U.S. has
decided to take this path after its painful trials and errors over
the past eight years. Now is the time for us to go beyond the
hackneyed slogan of 'strengthening the ROK-U.S. alliance' and to put
our heads together for a peaceful and prosperous Korean Peninsula
and Northeast Asia and a better world."
"The Reason Why 'Obamanomics' Should Not End in Failure"
Moderate Hankook Ilbo editorialized (01/22): "The problem lies in
how successfully Obama will put his words into practice. The
success or failure of the Obama Administration directly affects the
lives of the Korean people. This is why we hope that the incoming
administration, which is hailed as a 'change of history,' fulfills
its promise and stays the course, despite being faced with any
formidable challenges in the future."
Stephens
SIPDIS
STATE FOR EAP/PD FOR SWALKER, EAP/P, EAP/K
STATE PASS USDA ELECTRONICALLY FOR FAX/ITP SCHEIKH
STATE PASS USTR FOR RCASSIDY
USDOC FOR 4430/IEP/OPB/EAP/JDONIUS
TREASURY FOR OASIA/MGREWE
CINCPAC FOR J-74
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL MARR ECON KS US KPAO KMDR
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION IN SEOUL
Subject: Media Reaction; Seoul
Presidential Inauguration/New Administration's Foreign Policy
"Messages of 'Integration, Responsibility and Remaking' in Obama's
Inaugural Address Are Something that the ROK Must Adopt"
Conservative Dong-a Ilbo editorialized (01/22): "The message that
President Obama sent to the Korean Peninsula is serious. He said
that he 'will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat.' He
also warned, 'To those who cling to power through corruption and
deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong
side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing
to unclench your fist.' Through these statements, it can be said
that he has made it clear that he will not have dialogue for the
sake of dialogue, but only when North Korea gives up its nuclear
ambitions will the U.S. have dialogue."
"A Profoundly Changed Foreign Policy"
Left-leaning Hankyoreh Shinmun editorialized (01/22): "The great
principle of U.S. foreign policy presented by President Obama is
greater cooperation and understanding. This means that the U.S.,
while taking a cautious approach to using military force, will seek
global cooperation by enhancing its legitimacy and setting a good
example. In particular, it was nice for President Obama not to use
the term 'war on terror' in his inaugural address, given that the
words turned into an ideological term long ago. Regarding the North
Korean nuclear issue, he vowed to 'work tirelessly to lessen the
nuclear threat with old friends and former foes.' This statement
reaffirms the principle of direct negotiations between the North and
the U.S. Pyongyang should not miss this opportunity....
Washington's forward-looking shift in foreign policy can offer us
many opportunities. This is all the more so because the U.S. has
decided to take this path after its painful trials and errors over
the past eight years. Now is the time for us to go beyond the
hackneyed slogan of 'strengthening the ROK-U.S. alliance' and to put
our heads together for a peaceful and prosperous Korean Peninsula
and Northeast Asia and a better world."
"The Reason Why 'Obamanomics' Should Not End in Failure"
Moderate Hankook Ilbo editorialized (01/22): "The problem lies in
how successfully Obama will put his words into practice. The
success or failure of the Obama Administration directly affects the
lives of the Korean people. This is why we hope that the incoming
administration, which is hailed as a 'change of history,' fulfills
its promise and stays the course, despite being faced with any
formidable challenges in the future."
Stephens