It is quite rare for a nation's opposition leader and the mission chief of its biggest ally to call each other ``disappointing.'' Many watchers, however, find both sides disappointing, if not exactly to the same extent.
It all began when U.S. ambassador Alexander Vershbow called Rep. Sohn Hak-kyu, chairman of the United Democratic Party, Wednesday to have a ``private talk'' about the UDP's opposition to U.S. beef imports. The envoy reportedly expressed his disappointment over the party ``causing unrests'' with unfounded assertions.
Amb. Vershbow seems to be mistaken on at least two counts. First, when an opposition leader abruptly receives a private call from the top U.S. diplomat here ― even if they are really close personally ― he or she would have expected it to be about dinner or a golfing appointment, not about the biggest pending issue between the two countries. This seems to be a subject that should have been handled officially by Vershbow, or one where Sohn was at least given prior notice of the phone call. Second, it was not the UDP leading protest rallies, but is just attempting to reflect the people's demands in a belated response.
It is not hard to guess how the U.S. envoy feels regarding what he thinks as a purely trade and health issue turning into another source of anti-U.S. rallying, whether or not there are sufficient grounds for it.
Still, if the majority of Koreans feel the bilateral beef import deal is one of the most disadvantageous ― if not altogether unequal ― treaties Seoul has signed with a foreign country in large part because of their own government's stupidity, but also because of pressure from the world's biggest economic power, Amb. Vershbow should have protested it to the government regarding its poor handling of the situation instead of the opposition leader, a move viewed by many Koreans as indirectly scolding them.
Rep. Sohn is of course not completely free from blame. As a seasoned politician, he could have coped with this episode far better, such as by pointing out the inappropriateness of Vershbow's action during the conversation. Had he decided to make this event public, he could have explained why he had to do so to his U.S. friend. Otherwise, he can hardly avoid criticism for trying to garner some political gains for himself or his party.
What may be hidden by this tit-for-tat over protocol and good faith, however, is the main point of the beef import brawl. We have repeatedly said on this page that President Lee must make an official apology, sack those officials responsible and boost safety measures. Whilst an apology has been given and those responsible will soon be dealt with, the issue of safety measures requires more cooperation from Washington.
We hope the veteran U.S. diplomat, who is about to return home after a tenure of excellent service for both countries, seeks a good finale by mediating between Seoul and Washington on the beef issue.