Colombian leader takes bum rap

By Yi Whan-woo

Juan Manuel Santos Colombia's President

President Park Geun-hye is walking a tightrope between enhancing diplomatic ties and easing negative public opinion against her trip to South America.

Critics have poured scorn over the timing of the trip which starts on April 16, the day of the first anniversary of the tragic sinking of the ferry Sewol. The disaster claimed the lives of 304 passengers, mostly high school students.

Park will visit Colombia on the first leg of her trip to four Latin American countries. The President will stay in Colombia until April 18, before heading to Peru (April 18 to 21), Chile (April 21 to 23) and Brazil (April 23 to 25), and returning home on April 27.

Cheong Wa Dae said Park will depart Seoul late on April 16 after attending a ceremony to pay tribute to the victims of the disaster.

According to the presidential office, the scheduling came after considering how to ensure the national interest while remembering the victims of the maritime tragedy.

Senior secretary for foreign affairs Ju Chul-ki explained on Friday that Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos requested Park to arrange her visit between April 15 and 17 to avoid a possible conflict in schedules.

Ju said her tour to South America will enhance Seoul’s economic partnership with these countries and expand Korea’s influence in the region.

Critics, however, have questioned whether she had no option but to accept the offer made by Santos.

The main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy said, “It’s irresponsible for the President not to pay tribute sincerely to the victims of the tragedy last year.”

“It’s possible for heads of state to adjust their overseas trip plan and even cancel it by asking for understanding from their counterparts in the countries they plan to visit,” a JoongAng Ilbo editorial stated, Tuesday.

The Colombian Embassy in Seoul did not address Park’s planned trip, saying Tuesday it would need approval from its government to comment.