Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09SEOUL359
2009-03-09 08:07:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Seoul
Cable title:
SEOUL - PRESS BULLETIN; March 9, 2009
how-toVZCZCXRO3683 OO RUEHGH DE RUEHUL #0359/01 0680807 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 090807Z MAR 09 FM AMEMBASSY SEOUL TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 3514 RUCPDOC/USDOC WASHDC 8212 RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHINGTON DC RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC//DDI/OEA// RHHMUNA/USCINCPAC HONOLULU HI//FPA// RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC RUEKDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC//DB-Z// RUEHMO/AMEMBASSY MOSCOW 9274 RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING 5343 RUEHKO/AMEMBASSY TOKYO 5452 RUEHGH/AMCONSUL SHANGHAI 0358 RUEHSH/AMCONSUL SHENYANG 3984 RUEHIN/AIT TAIPEI 2981 RUEHGP/AMEMBASSY SINGAPORE 6220 RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0605 RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA 1992 RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON 1023 RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS 1644
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 05 SEOUL 000359
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV MARR ECON KPAO KS US
SUBJECT: SEOUL - PRESS BULLETIN; March 9, 2009
TOP HEADLINES
--------------
Chosun Ilbo, All TVs
Protesters Attack Police Officers
JoongAng Ilbo, Seoul Shinmun
President Lee Seeks Stronger Ties with Asian Neighbors
Dong-a Ilbo
Dong-a Ilbo Campaign to Promote Mentoring Relationship between
Lawyers and Students from Low-income Households
Hankook Ilbo
Most Students Attending Schools Evaluated as Relatively Less
Dependent on Private Education Are
Also Being Privately Tutored in Math
Hankyoreh Shinmun
ROKG's Employment Policy Only Produces Part-timers
Segye Ilbo
Survey Finds Most Universities Lack System
to Make Their Information Public
DOMESTIC DEVELOPMENTS
--------------
Stephen Bosworth, the U.S. Special Representative for North Korea
Policy, came to Seoul on March 7. He will hold a series of meetings
with ROKG officials today. Ambassador Bosworth said upon arrival
that he does not have any plans to visit North Korea on this trip
but made it clear that the U.S. is reaching out and wants dialogue
with the North. (Dong-a, Hankyoreh, all TVs, VoiceofPeople)
Tension on the Korean Peninsula is expected to escalate further this
week, as the ROK and the U.S. begin a 12-day large-scale, joint
military exercise today, despite a series of North Korean threats.
(All)
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
--------------
North Korea yesterday held elections for the Supreme People's
Assembly (SPA),marking what some have described as the third Kim
Jong-il regime. (All)
Given that North Korea has made provocations around SPA elections in
the past, including the launch of a Taepodong-1 missile during the
1998 elections and the outbreak of the second North Korean nuclear
crisis during the 2003 elections over the North's suspected highly
enriched uranium program, attention is being drawn to what the North
is up to this time around. (Chosun)
MEDIA ANALYSIS
--------------
-North Korea
--------------
Most of the ROK media today gave play to March 7 press remarks in
Seoul by Stephen Bosworth, the U.S. Special Representative for North
Korea Policy. Ambassador Bosworth was quoted as saying upon arrival
in Seoul that he doesn't have any plans to visit North Korea on this
trip but that the U.S. is reaching out and wants dialogue with the
North. The ROK media reported that Ambassador Bosworth will hold a
series of meetings with ROKG officials today. Chosun Ilbo's
editorial noted Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi's March 7 press
remarks saying, "We have noted that the North Korean side has
announced it will launch a trial communications satellite. We hope
that all parties will do more things that are helpful," and
commented: "If North Korea ignores such a warning from China, it
would be difficult for China to dismiss it as if nothing has
SEOUL 00000359 002 OF 005
happened. The U.S. is the country with which the North is insisting
on normalizing ties, and China is the sole support in the world of
the North Korean regime. Will the North continue to ignore these
unanimous calls by these countries?"
North Korea's March 9 elections for the Supreme People's Assembly
(SPA) received wide play. Most of the ROK media described the
elections as marking "the third Kim Jong-il regime." Chosun Ilbo,
in particular, noted that North Korea has made provocations around
SPA elections, including the launch of a Taepodong-1 missile during
the 1998 SPA elections and the outbreak of the second North Korean
nuclear crisis during the 2003 elections over a suspected highly
enriched uranium program, and headlined its story: "What is North
Korea Up To This Time Around?" JoongAng Ilbo's headline read:
"Attention is Drawn to Whether Kim Jong-il's Third Son, Jong-un,
will be Among the Newly Elected Lawmakers, a Strong Sign that He is
Being Groomed to Inherit Power from His Father"
Regarding North Korea's threat against ROK civilian planes flying
through the North's airspace, JoongAng Ilbo editorialized on
Saturday (March 7): "It is obvious why North Korea is ratcheting up
threats this year. North Korea is attempting to increase insecurity
on the Korean Peninsula, to cause conflict among ROK people and to
put pressure on the U.S. to have direct talks that would exclude the
ROK. However, the North's leaders must be aware that the North's
threats and brinkmanship will turn public opinion against the North,
resulting in doing the country harm."
Dong-a Ilbo's editorial echoed JoongAng's view, arguing: "To
threaten the safety of civilian flights is a violation of
international law which will result in international sanctions.
This visit to Seoul by the U.S. Special Representative for North
Korea Policy, Stephen Bosworth, should be an opportunity for the two
allies to share their understanding about the North's nuclear
programs and increase their collaboration against the North's
aggression."
-Russia-US: Clinton-Lavrov meeting
--------------
Most of the ROK media gave straight play to a March 6 meeting in
Geneva between Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Russian
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, quoting Secretary Clinton as saying
after the meeting: "The U.S. wants to reset relations with Russia
and to make a fresh start."
OPINIONS/EDITORIALS
--------------
N. Korea Urges Unity Then Threatens Civilian Flights
(Dong-a Ilbo, March 7, 2009, Page 27)
Labeling the annual Key Resolve/Foal Eagle exercise of the South
Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command as a drill for an attack, North
Korea`s Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland
said, "We cannot ensure the safety of South Korean civilian flights
crossing our airspace in the East Sea during a joint war drill."
Pyongyang in essence hinted at a possible attack on civilian flights
flying over the East Sea, on top of its earlier threat to cross the
Northern Limit Line in the West Sea.
The exercise aims to ensure South Korea's security in the event of a
North Korean attack. Pyongyang has blasted the drill all of sudden
to contain Seoul and communicate only with Washington by increasing
tension through far-reaching pressure on the South. The move
effectively demonstrates yet again the dual face of the Kim Jong Il
government, which has repeatedly urged cooperation between the
Korean people.
North Korea, which joined the International Civil Aviation
Organization in 1977, opened its airspace to international carriers,
including those of South Korea, in 1998. The North charges 685
euros (870 U.S. dollars) per B747 flight when foreign airliners fly
SEOUL 00000359 003 OF 005
over its airspace.
Pyongyang is getting increasingly nervous, as Washington shows no
change in its stance against the North's nuclear program even after
the inauguration of the Obama Administration. The North is striving
to open a channel for bilateral talks with the U.S. by attracting
Washington's attention. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who
visited South Korea last month, emphasized the solidity of the South
Korea-U.S. alliance. She made it clear that the North's strategy to
contain the South and talk only with the U.S. will prove futile.
It is time for the North to give up its brinkmanship approach. To
threaten the safety of civilian flights is a violation of
international law that will result in international sanctions. Seoul
and Washington must increase their policy coordination in times like
this. Today's visit by the new U.S. envoy for North Korea, Stephen
Bosworth, is also an opportunity for the two allies to share their
understanding about the North's nuclear program and increase their
collaboration against the North's aggression. The only way for
Pyongyang to maintain its regime and survive is to humbly accept
repeated calls for dialogue from Unification Minister Hyun In-taek
and President Lee Myung-bak.
* This is a translation provided by the newspaper, and it is
identical to the Korean version.
N. Korea Can't Afford to Ignore U.S. and China
(Chosun Ilbo, March 9, 2009, Page 31)
Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said in a press conference on
Saturday, "We have noted that the North Korean side has announced it
will launch a trial communications satellite. We express our
concern about the developments... We hope that all parties will do
more things that are helpful." Yang added that Beijing is aware of
various countries' responses to North Korea's announcement and that
it is in their best interest to maintain stability on the Korean
Peninsula.
On arrival in South Korea on Saturday, Special Representative for
North Korea Policy Stephen Bosworth said, "We've indicated our
position to them on the question of the missile launch, or satellite
launch, or whatever they call it. We think it's very ill-advised."
Ahead of visits to China, Japan and South Korea starting last
Tuesday, Ambassador Bosworth explained his plans to U.S. President
Barack Obama. Ambassador Bosworth's trilateral negotiations will
serve as the foundations which the Obama Administration will use to
decide its North Korea policies. And while being cautious about
commenting on a possible visit to North Korea and the resumption of
the six-country nuclear talks, Ambassador Bosworth drew a clear line
when it came to the missile launch. China had not made a public
statement since Feb. 24, when North Korea gave notice of the launch,
insisting that it was part of its satellite program. Yet following
a meeting with Ambassador Bosworth last Wednesday, Beijing asked
North Korea to halt it, apparently as a result of fine-tuning with
Washington.
They probably discussed sanctions against North Korea should it
ignore warnings by neighbors countries and push ahead with its
long-range missile launch. The U.S. has pointed out clearly that
this would be a violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1718,
which bans all North Korean missile-related programs. The UN
resolution blocks the export of military goods and luxury items to
North Korea. If it ignores Beijing's warning not to damage
stability on the Korean Peninsula, then it will be difficult for
China to brush off the incident as if nothing had happened.
North Korea is stubbornly demanding the establishment of diplomatic
relations with the U.S., while China is virtually the only country
on earth that supports the North. Will North Korea ignore the
voices of these two countries?
* This is a translation provided by the newspaper, and it is
identical to the Korean version.
SEOUL 00000359 004 OF 005
The ROK Should Prepare for Global Industrial Upheaval
(JoonAng Ilbo, editorial, March 9, 2009, Page 26)
U.S. President Obama will sign an executive order allowing U.S.
funding for embryonic stem cell research. With the financial
support from the U.S. government, stem cell research will see a
breakthrough. Last month, President Obama signed an executive order
to increase the production of (environment-friendly) "green" cars.
The aim of the executive order is to toughen regulations on
emissions and promote the production of electric cars in order to
seize control over the auto industry again.
Obama's recent moves seem to go beyond (merely creating) policy to
respond to the current economic crisis. He is sketching out a new
plan for the 21st century economy. While the U.S. government
provides a bailout package to ailing corporations, it is outlining a
blueprint to secure a new growth engine through its powerful
fundamental and state-of-the art technology. The Obama
Administration is supporting the green industry (including
alternative energy) and the bio (tech) industry (including stem cell
research.) It is yet uncertain whether these efforts by the U.S.
will pay off. However, these moves by the U.S. will immensely
impact the global industry.
The ROKG should prepare for this global industrial upheaval. We
should not focus only on the ongoing economic crisis but turn our
attention elsewhere. Last month, the National Bioethics Advisory
Committee decided to review the proposal for embryonic stem cell
research. The Committee should give a green light to the research.
As long as it conforms to the 'Bioethics & Biosafety Law', the
earlier the research is resumed, the better it is. The 'Low
Carbon, Green Growth' (initiative) espoused by President Lee
Myung-bak should gain more momentum. The ROKG should give
full-fledged support to "future industry" in such as areas as
alternative energy, carbon nanotubes or stem cell research. With
the emergence of the Obama Administration, the global war for the
new industry has been set off. Now is the time to invest in the
next-generation growth engine for our survival.
FEATURES
--------------
Bosworth to Meet ROK Diplomatic and Security Officials
(Dong-a Ilbo, March 9, 2009, Page 3)
By Reporter Kim Young-sik
"I want to meet with North Korean officials, even though not right
now," said Special Representative for North Korea Policy Bosworth.
He also noted, "The U.S. is reaching out and wants dialogue with the
North."
Ambassador Bosworth, who arrived in Seoul on March 7, sent a message
to North Korea that the U.S. wants dialogue with the North.
However, he was very cautious about his plan to visit North Korea.
Asked what are the preconditions for visiting North Korea, he
answered, "I do not want to talk about it." He added, "I do not
have any plans to travel to North Korea on this trip." Also,
regarding the North's threats against ROK civilian airlines, he
said, "I hope North Korea will withdraw its threats."
The North's preparations for a missile launch and a series of
incessant military threats seem to have made Ambassador Bosworth
take a cautious approach. According to the Kyodo news agency, when
he met Japanese lawmakers from the ruling and opposition parties on
March 6, he expressed his hope to travel to North Korea as soon as
possible.
As North Korea Policy Coordinator William Perry during the Clinton
Administration did to establish the 'Perry Process', Ambassador
Bosworth needs to visit North Korea or meet with North Korean
officials in the near future in order to grasp the North's real
SEOUL 00000359 005 OF 005
intentions.
Ambassador Bosworth seems to take the view that if he meets with
North Korean officials now, the losses will outweigh the benefits.
If North Korea goes ahead with a missile launch even after his
meeting with North Korean officials, it would only undermine his
standing as Special Representative for North Korea Policy.
He is scheduled to meet Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan, Unification
Minister Hyun In-taek and senior Presidential Secretary for Foreign
Affairs and Security Kim Sung-hwan. He will (also) pay a courtesy
visit to President Lee Myung-bak
Given the situation, the ROKG is giving him an indirect message that
his future visit to North Korea should differ from the visit by
former Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs
Christopher Hill, who failed to meet any North Korean official
ranking higher than Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye-gwan.
STEPHENS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV MARR ECON KPAO KS US
SUBJECT: SEOUL - PRESS BULLETIN; March 9, 2009
TOP HEADLINES
--------------
Chosun Ilbo, All TVs
Protesters Attack Police Officers
JoongAng Ilbo, Seoul Shinmun
President Lee Seeks Stronger Ties with Asian Neighbors
Dong-a Ilbo
Dong-a Ilbo Campaign to Promote Mentoring Relationship between
Lawyers and Students from Low-income Households
Hankook Ilbo
Most Students Attending Schools Evaluated as Relatively Less
Dependent on Private Education Are
Also Being Privately Tutored in Math
Hankyoreh Shinmun
ROKG's Employment Policy Only Produces Part-timers
Segye Ilbo
Survey Finds Most Universities Lack System
to Make Their Information Public
DOMESTIC DEVELOPMENTS
--------------
Stephen Bosworth, the U.S. Special Representative for North Korea
Policy, came to Seoul on March 7. He will hold a series of meetings
with ROKG officials today. Ambassador Bosworth said upon arrival
that he does not have any plans to visit North Korea on this trip
but made it clear that the U.S. is reaching out and wants dialogue
with the North. (Dong-a, Hankyoreh, all TVs, VoiceofPeople)
Tension on the Korean Peninsula is expected to escalate further this
week, as the ROK and the U.S. begin a 12-day large-scale, joint
military exercise today, despite a series of North Korean threats.
(All)
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
--------------
North Korea yesterday held elections for the Supreme People's
Assembly (SPA),marking what some have described as the third Kim
Jong-il regime. (All)
Given that North Korea has made provocations around SPA elections in
the past, including the launch of a Taepodong-1 missile during the
1998 elections and the outbreak of the second North Korean nuclear
crisis during the 2003 elections over the North's suspected highly
enriched uranium program, attention is being drawn to what the North
is up to this time around. (Chosun)
MEDIA ANALYSIS
--------------
-North Korea
--------------
Most of the ROK media today gave play to March 7 press remarks in
Seoul by Stephen Bosworth, the U.S. Special Representative for North
Korea Policy. Ambassador Bosworth was quoted as saying upon arrival
in Seoul that he doesn't have any plans to visit North Korea on this
trip but that the U.S. is reaching out and wants dialogue with the
North. The ROK media reported that Ambassador Bosworth will hold a
series of meetings with ROKG officials today. Chosun Ilbo's
editorial noted Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi's March 7 press
remarks saying, "We have noted that the North Korean side has
announced it will launch a trial communications satellite. We hope
that all parties will do more things that are helpful," and
commented: "If North Korea ignores such a warning from China, it
would be difficult for China to dismiss it as if nothing has
SEOUL 00000359 002 OF 005
happened. The U.S. is the country with which the North is insisting
on normalizing ties, and China is the sole support in the world of
the North Korean regime. Will the North continue to ignore these
unanimous calls by these countries?"
North Korea's March 9 elections for the Supreme People's Assembly
(SPA) received wide play. Most of the ROK media described the
elections as marking "the third Kim Jong-il regime." Chosun Ilbo,
in particular, noted that North Korea has made provocations around
SPA elections, including the launch of a Taepodong-1 missile during
the 1998 SPA elections and the outbreak of the second North Korean
nuclear crisis during the 2003 elections over a suspected highly
enriched uranium program, and headlined its story: "What is North
Korea Up To This Time Around?" JoongAng Ilbo's headline read:
"Attention is Drawn to Whether Kim Jong-il's Third Son, Jong-un,
will be Among the Newly Elected Lawmakers, a Strong Sign that He is
Being Groomed to Inherit Power from His Father"
Regarding North Korea's threat against ROK civilian planes flying
through the North's airspace, JoongAng Ilbo editorialized on
Saturday (March 7): "It is obvious why North Korea is ratcheting up
threats this year. North Korea is attempting to increase insecurity
on the Korean Peninsula, to cause conflict among ROK people and to
put pressure on the U.S. to have direct talks that would exclude the
ROK. However, the North's leaders must be aware that the North's
threats and brinkmanship will turn public opinion against the North,
resulting in doing the country harm."
Dong-a Ilbo's editorial echoed JoongAng's view, arguing: "To
threaten the safety of civilian flights is a violation of
international law which will result in international sanctions.
This visit to Seoul by the U.S. Special Representative for North
Korea Policy, Stephen Bosworth, should be an opportunity for the two
allies to share their understanding about the North's nuclear
programs and increase their collaboration against the North's
aggression."
-Russia-US: Clinton-Lavrov meeting
--------------
Most of the ROK media gave straight play to a March 6 meeting in
Geneva between Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Russian
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, quoting Secretary Clinton as saying
after the meeting: "The U.S. wants to reset relations with Russia
and to make a fresh start."
OPINIONS/EDITORIALS
--------------
N. Korea Urges Unity Then Threatens Civilian Flights
(Dong-a Ilbo, March 7, 2009, Page 27)
Labeling the annual Key Resolve/Foal Eagle exercise of the South
Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command as a drill for an attack, North
Korea`s Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland
said, "We cannot ensure the safety of South Korean civilian flights
crossing our airspace in the East Sea during a joint war drill."
Pyongyang in essence hinted at a possible attack on civilian flights
flying over the East Sea, on top of its earlier threat to cross the
Northern Limit Line in the West Sea.
The exercise aims to ensure South Korea's security in the event of a
North Korean attack. Pyongyang has blasted the drill all of sudden
to contain Seoul and communicate only with Washington by increasing
tension through far-reaching pressure on the South. The move
effectively demonstrates yet again the dual face of the Kim Jong Il
government, which has repeatedly urged cooperation between the
Korean people.
North Korea, which joined the International Civil Aviation
Organization in 1977, opened its airspace to international carriers,
including those of South Korea, in 1998. The North charges 685
euros (870 U.S. dollars) per B747 flight when foreign airliners fly
SEOUL 00000359 003 OF 005
over its airspace.
Pyongyang is getting increasingly nervous, as Washington shows no
change in its stance against the North's nuclear program even after
the inauguration of the Obama Administration. The North is striving
to open a channel for bilateral talks with the U.S. by attracting
Washington's attention. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who
visited South Korea last month, emphasized the solidity of the South
Korea-U.S. alliance. She made it clear that the North's strategy to
contain the South and talk only with the U.S. will prove futile.
It is time for the North to give up its brinkmanship approach. To
threaten the safety of civilian flights is a violation of
international law that will result in international sanctions. Seoul
and Washington must increase their policy coordination in times like
this. Today's visit by the new U.S. envoy for North Korea, Stephen
Bosworth, is also an opportunity for the two allies to share their
understanding about the North's nuclear program and increase their
collaboration against the North's aggression. The only way for
Pyongyang to maintain its regime and survive is to humbly accept
repeated calls for dialogue from Unification Minister Hyun In-taek
and President Lee Myung-bak.
* This is a translation provided by the newspaper, and it is
identical to the Korean version.
N. Korea Can't Afford to Ignore U.S. and China
(Chosun Ilbo, March 9, 2009, Page 31)
Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said in a press conference on
Saturday, "We have noted that the North Korean side has announced it
will launch a trial communications satellite. We express our
concern about the developments... We hope that all parties will do
more things that are helpful." Yang added that Beijing is aware of
various countries' responses to North Korea's announcement and that
it is in their best interest to maintain stability on the Korean
Peninsula.
On arrival in South Korea on Saturday, Special Representative for
North Korea Policy Stephen Bosworth said, "We've indicated our
position to them on the question of the missile launch, or satellite
launch, or whatever they call it. We think it's very ill-advised."
Ahead of visits to China, Japan and South Korea starting last
Tuesday, Ambassador Bosworth explained his plans to U.S. President
Barack Obama. Ambassador Bosworth's trilateral negotiations will
serve as the foundations which the Obama Administration will use to
decide its North Korea policies. And while being cautious about
commenting on a possible visit to North Korea and the resumption of
the six-country nuclear talks, Ambassador Bosworth drew a clear line
when it came to the missile launch. China had not made a public
statement since Feb. 24, when North Korea gave notice of the launch,
insisting that it was part of its satellite program. Yet following
a meeting with Ambassador Bosworth last Wednesday, Beijing asked
North Korea to halt it, apparently as a result of fine-tuning with
Washington.
They probably discussed sanctions against North Korea should it
ignore warnings by neighbors countries and push ahead with its
long-range missile launch. The U.S. has pointed out clearly that
this would be a violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1718,
which bans all North Korean missile-related programs. The UN
resolution blocks the export of military goods and luxury items to
North Korea. If it ignores Beijing's warning not to damage
stability on the Korean Peninsula, then it will be difficult for
China to brush off the incident as if nothing had happened.
North Korea is stubbornly demanding the establishment of diplomatic
relations with the U.S., while China is virtually the only country
on earth that supports the North. Will North Korea ignore the
voices of these two countries?
* This is a translation provided by the newspaper, and it is
identical to the Korean version.
SEOUL 00000359 004 OF 005
The ROK Should Prepare for Global Industrial Upheaval
(JoonAng Ilbo, editorial, March 9, 2009, Page 26)
U.S. President Obama will sign an executive order allowing U.S.
funding for embryonic stem cell research. With the financial
support from the U.S. government, stem cell research will see a
breakthrough. Last month, President Obama signed an executive order
to increase the production of (environment-friendly) "green" cars.
The aim of the executive order is to toughen regulations on
emissions and promote the production of electric cars in order to
seize control over the auto industry again.
Obama's recent moves seem to go beyond (merely creating) policy to
respond to the current economic crisis. He is sketching out a new
plan for the 21st century economy. While the U.S. government
provides a bailout package to ailing corporations, it is outlining a
blueprint to secure a new growth engine through its powerful
fundamental and state-of-the art technology. The Obama
Administration is supporting the green industry (including
alternative energy) and the bio (tech) industry (including stem cell
research.) It is yet uncertain whether these efforts by the U.S.
will pay off. However, these moves by the U.S. will immensely
impact the global industry.
The ROKG should prepare for this global industrial upheaval. We
should not focus only on the ongoing economic crisis but turn our
attention elsewhere. Last month, the National Bioethics Advisory
Committee decided to review the proposal for embryonic stem cell
research. The Committee should give a green light to the research.
As long as it conforms to the 'Bioethics & Biosafety Law', the
earlier the research is resumed, the better it is. The 'Low
Carbon, Green Growth' (initiative) espoused by President Lee
Myung-bak should gain more momentum. The ROKG should give
full-fledged support to "future industry" in such as areas as
alternative energy, carbon nanotubes or stem cell research. With
the emergence of the Obama Administration, the global war for the
new industry has been set off. Now is the time to invest in the
next-generation growth engine for our survival.
FEATURES
--------------
Bosworth to Meet ROK Diplomatic and Security Officials
(Dong-a Ilbo, March 9, 2009, Page 3)
By Reporter Kim Young-sik
"I want to meet with North Korean officials, even though not right
now," said Special Representative for North Korea Policy Bosworth.
He also noted, "The U.S. is reaching out and wants dialogue with the
North."
Ambassador Bosworth, who arrived in Seoul on March 7, sent a message
to North Korea that the U.S. wants dialogue with the North.
However, he was very cautious about his plan to visit North Korea.
Asked what are the preconditions for visiting North Korea, he
answered, "I do not want to talk about it." He added, "I do not
have any plans to travel to North Korea on this trip." Also,
regarding the North's threats against ROK civilian airlines, he
said, "I hope North Korea will withdraw its threats."
The North's preparations for a missile launch and a series of
incessant military threats seem to have made Ambassador Bosworth
take a cautious approach. According to the Kyodo news agency, when
he met Japanese lawmakers from the ruling and opposition parties on
March 6, he expressed his hope to travel to North Korea as soon as
possible.
As North Korea Policy Coordinator William Perry during the Clinton
Administration did to establish the 'Perry Process', Ambassador
Bosworth needs to visit North Korea or meet with North Korean
officials in the near future in order to grasp the North's real
SEOUL 00000359 005 OF 005
intentions.
Ambassador Bosworth seems to take the view that if he meets with
North Korean officials now, the losses will outweigh the benefits.
If North Korea goes ahead with a missile launch even after his
meeting with North Korean officials, it would only undermine his
standing as Special Representative for North Korea Policy.
He is scheduled to meet Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan, Unification
Minister Hyun In-taek and senior Presidential Secretary for Foreign
Affairs and Security Kim Sung-hwan. He will (also) pay a courtesy
visit to President Lee Myung-bak
Given the situation, the ROKG is giving him an indirect message that
his future visit to North Korea should differ from the visit by
former Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs
Christopher Hill, who failed to meet any North Korean official
ranking higher than Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye-gwan.
STEPHENS