WASHINGTON _ The South Korean envoy to Washington urged his country's legislators Monday to reach a
prompt resolution of the beef trade issue with the United States in order to expedite ratification of a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA).
Addressing the parliamentary team who came for overseas mission inspections, Ambassador Lee Tae-sik said congressional ratification of the FTA could be possible after February next year when it becomes clear who the U.S. presidential nominees would be.
The leading Democratic contenders all oppose the South Korea-U.S. trade deal, but once the nominee is determined, he or she may soften the stance, Lee said.
"But opposition to the deal comes from the beef issue," the envoy said. "We need a reasonable, scientifically based resolution."
Seoul had banned all U.S. beef imports after a mad cow disease scare in 2003 but partially lifted the restriction in early 2006, agreeing only to let in boneless parts considered safe from the disease. But after repeatedly finding bone and other high-risk fragments in the shipments from the U.S., South Korea temporarily suspended imports.
"The U.S. administration will submit the FTA to the Congress only after the beef issue is solved," Lee said.
The ambassador also asked for legislative interest and support in government efforts to buy back its former legation building in Washington, D.C., South Korea's first overseas mission.
Located downtown, the building used as legation from 1891 to 1905 is preserved in its original form and currently being used as a private residence.
"The Korean-American community has been collecting donations to buy the property back, but the campaign has been slow," the envoy said.
"We can repurchase the building and renovate it with $2 million or $3 million. The government needs to actively consider the option of buying it."
He said the embassy needs more funds to hire consulting firms
to resolve another urgent issue-- improving South Korea's status
in buying American arms.
Legislation submitted to Congress would elevate Seoul's
purchasing conditions to the level of other close U.S. allies,
notably Japan and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, by
removing various restrictions, including prior approval by
Congress.
"In order to effectively seek the passage of the legislation,
we need to work with consulting firms," Lee said.
(Yonhap)