Roh says he is committed to sealing FTA with U.S. by weekend deadline
The Hankyoreh, Seoul
Roh says he is committed to sealing FTA with U.S. by weekend deadline
28 March 2007
Yonhap News - South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun said Wednesday that he will make the final decision on whether to conclude a free trade agreement (FTA) with the United States on returning home Friday from his weeklong trip to the Middle East.
"FTA is the mainstream of the time. I’ll do my best to produce the best outcome from the ongoing FTA talks with the U.S.," Roh said in a meeting with South Korean residents living in Qatar. Roh is now on an official visit to Qatar on the last leg of his trip to the Middle East and is to return home Friday.
"I’ve been given sufficient explanations on the issue and will receive the final report back at home. As head of state, I myself will make the final decision on my return home."
The president made clear that he is committed to concluding the FTA with the U.S. by the deadline, the end of March. "I’ll finalize the deal by the deadline after careful considerations.
For now, we cannot be optimistic or pessimistic."
Roh also suggested that he may give up one or two things to help conclude the turbulent trade negotiations. "A deal is supposed to be mutually satisfactory. Otherwise, the deal can’t be concluded."
Defending his planned decision to sign the FTA with the U.S., Roh said, "South Korea has never been given serious external shocks due to the market opening. The pace of South Korea’s opening has been moderate thus far."
"We’ve gradually opened our market while protecting our industries. Despite some minor disputes, our opening has been successful every time."
According to presidential aides, Roh is scheduled to issue a special statement on Sunday, outlining his government’s position on the ongoing FTA talks with the United States and calling for public understanding of the deal. The special statement had previously been scheduled for Monday.
"On returning home, the president will be briefed by Trade Minister Kim Hyun-chong on the result of the final rounds of talks.
Kim may then declare the formal conclusion of the FTA deal before the president issues a special statement," an aide said.
A top Korean negotiator said in Seoul Wednesday that both sides can narrow differences and find common ground until the last minute, adding that disputes over rice, beef and auto trade had still not been resolved. Time is a critical factor as the two sides are trying to conclude an agreement by the end of this month to have it considered under special U.S. presidential authority.
"Roh is preparing to issue a statement Sunday, regardless of whether the ongoing FTA negotiations between South Korea and the U.S. are concluded by the widely known deadline of the end of March," said a Roh aide.
"In case of the conclusion of the deal, the president will explain its background and reason and disclose the government’s countermeasures to minimize damages to related industries, including agriculture. Even if the talks end in failure, Roh may issue a statement," he said, asking to remain anonymous.
"Roh once considered holding a telephone dialogue with U.S. President George W. Bush over the FTA issue, but has yet to make the final decision," said the aide.
