Opposition leader criticizes Roh for `Northeast Asia balancer` vision

Opposition leader Park Geun-hye yesterday criticized President Roh Moo-hyun`s vision of South Korea as a "Northeast Asia balancer," warning that it may harm the alliance with the United States.

"The president`s Northeast Asia balancer vision contradicts the goal to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance," said Chairwoman Park of the Grand National Party in her opening speech to the National Assembly April extra session. "He must realize that it would be extremely difficult to restore the close relationship with the United States once the damage has been done."

"Neither China, Japan, Russia or North Korea regards us as the balancer of Northeast Asia," Park added. "Disregarding this reality and slackening the alliance with the United States will only create diplomatic isolation and harm the nation."

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Park`s comments come after Roh stressed that the nation should help balance Northeast Asia, implying a shift from Seoul`s traditional close alliances with the United States and Japan toward a neutral position among regional powers including China and Russia.

The president stated his vision last month in a speech at the Korea Military Academy graduation ceremony, saying that Korea should break off from the Cold War ideology and become the balancer of Northeast Asia to achieve peace and development in the region.

Roh`s "northeast balancer" vision stirred controversy in the nation with some positive appraisal for his goal to broaden the scope of diplomacy, but also concerns of endangering the relationship with the United States.

China gave a nod of approval to Roh`s policy by saying it would fully support Korea`s role as the balancer while working together to wipe out Cold War ideology among the regional powers.

On the North Korean nuclear standoff, Park urged the U.S. government to change its attitude and pursue a bilateral agreement with the North in order to wipe out the ongoing distrust and bring a peaceful end to the North`s nuclear weapons program.

"The U.S. government should take a more positive stance toward its dialogue with North Korea within the framework of the six-party talks," she said.

Park also stressed the need for Seoul and Washington to come up with a joint strategy for North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons.

"But also, there is a need to clarify that stern punishment awaits North Korea should it continue to pursue its development of nuclear weapons, crossing the so-called red line," said Park. "We have to make sure the North sees that there would be no guarantees for its economic problems or security as long as it possesses nuclear weapons."

The six-nation talks, involving the United States, China, Japan, Russia and the two Koreas, have been suspended since the third round last June. North Korea said Feb. 10 it possesses nuclear weapons and will boycott the talks until the United States abandons its "hostile" policy.

The ruling Uri Party immediately criticized Park`s comments against the president`s diplomatic policy.

"It is illiberal and narrow-minded to regard the government`s diplomatic policy to be inconsistent with the Korea-U.S. alliance," said Uri spokesman Oh Young-sik. "The president`s vision has its basis on the strong alliance with the United States. Park seems to lack international understanding."

Uri floor leader Chung Sye-kyun`s opening speech Thursday focused on the importance of the Korea-U.S. alliance, He spoke in line with Roh`s diplomatic keynotes, emphasizing the importance of direct talks with North Korea.

(hayney@heraldm.com)



By Shin Hae-in