STATEMENT OF REP. GARY L. ACKERMAN

U.S.-Korea Relations

(Washington, DC) - Mr. Chairman, five years into the Bush Administration I can only conclude that the President is not simply mismanaging policy towards South Korea but is actively pushing a close ally away.

            The Administration’s unresolved internal conflict over how to deal with North Korea has made it impossible for the United States to have a coherent, consistent policy towards either the North or the South.  The President’s schizophrenic policy on Korea began with the public humiliation of former President Kim Dae Jung during their 2001 meeting and has continued up until the most recent summit, which avoided actual public humiliation of President Roh, but left some of us asking, where’s the kimchi?

            Similar schizophrenia was on display last fall when the Administration imposed sanctions on Banco Delta Asia in Macau.  While a legitimate law enforcement move, the sanctions gave the North Koreans an additional reason to continue their boycott of the six party talks.  I have the distinct impression that the timing and potential impact on overall Korea policy of imposing sanctions was simply not discussed within the Administration, or worse, that resulting continued derailment of the six-party talks was, in fact, the desired outcome.  Now, there are press reports that the Administration wants to reinstate the sanctions regime as it was before the Agreed Framework.  The practical effect would be largely symbolic, but in this context the symbolism is precisely the point.  In neither instance, is South Korea supportive of U.S. policy.

            Further evidence of the Administration pushing away our Korean friends and allies comes with the proposed redeployment and draw down of U.S. forces as well as the change in command structure.  Again, these changes may make some policy sense, but in the context of the Administration’s policy towards South Korea it looks more like punishment than a mutually agreed decision arrived at by allies.

            I’m left wondering where the good news is in this relationship.  Where’s the close coordination that should accompany an alliance that is a cornerstone of U.S. policy in Asia?

            Unfortunately, we have an indication of the outcome of the Administration’s incompetence when it comes to South Korea.  Just look at the trade statistics.  At a time when we are negotiating a free trade agreement with South Korea, China has displaced us as Korea’s largest trading partner.  And when it comes to policy towards North Korea, Seoul is closer to Beijing than to Washington.

I think its time to try and put U.S.-South Korea relations back on a sound footing and I can think of no better way to start than to expedite South Korea’s entry into the Visa Waiver Program.  I know there are still some issues to work through, but I can think of no clearer way to send a message of support to good friend and an important ally.

            Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

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