The Hindu : Seoul rules out changes in foreign policy

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Mar 14, 2004

International

International

Seoul rules out changes in foreign policy

By P. S. Suryanarayana

SINGAPORE, MARCH 13. South Korea today reaffirmed continuity in its foreign policy, even as reports about protest rallies across the country over Roh Moo-hyun's suspension as President raised international concern. There were no official reports of any serious clashes.

Mr. Roh was suspended from office on Friday after the National Assembly passed an impeachment motion. The Prime Minister, Goh Kun, took over as Acting President, without being sworn in as head of state. Mr. Goh will officiate in his new capacity until a Constitutional Court rules, within 180 days, on the merits of the motion. The main charge against Mr. Roh was that he had violated electoral laws ahead of the April 15 parliamentary elections.

Mr. Goh indicated, in a nationally televised address, that there would be no shift in policies. The key aspects of the foreign policy are Seoul's formal military alliance with the U.S. and the interim administration's stance on the viability of the six-party talks on the North Korean nuclear issue. The Foreign Ministry is understood to be active in reassuring major powers in this regard.

As for the protest rallies, which began on Friday itself, reports spoke of such predominant slogans being voiced as "let us safeguard democracy'', and "impeachment, null and void''. Candle light vigil was also held at several places, while a quick post-impeachment public opinion poll was reported to have revealed a 70 per cent groundswell of opposition to the vote against Mr. Roh.

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