ROK NATIONAL ASSEMBLY CONGRATULATES

UNCLAS SEOUL 000070 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL PINR KN KS SUBJECT: ROK NATIONAL ASSEMBLY CONGRATULATES PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA ¶1. Summary: On January 13, 2009, the ROK National Assembly adopted a resolution congratulating President-elect Barack Obama on his impending inauguration. This is the first time that the ROK National Assembly has adopted such a resolution. Members from all parties of the Foreign Affairs, Trade and Unification (FATU) committee worked together to finalize the resolution language and assure its passage. Complete text follows (informal translation). End Summary. ¶2. The full text of the resolution: On behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Korea, the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea congratulates the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States of America, Barack Obama, on January 20, 2009. The National Assembly hopes for a future-oriented and strategic development of the 21st century ROK-U.S. alliance during the term of President Barack Obama, which will be based on principles of liberal democracy, market economy, and respect for human rights. The National Assembly hopes that both countries, through close dialogue and cooperation, will wisely resolve key issues of concern to both countries, such as the North Korean nuclear and human rights issue, and thus contribute to peace and prosperity on the Korean peninsula. The National Assembly hopes that the U.S. will take the lead within the international community in maintaining global peace and security, re-establishing the international economic order based on co-prosperity and equality, as well as resolving global issues under the principle of respect for universal values. And the National Assembly will positively support these activities. End text. STEPHENS