 |
|
US Ambassador to South Korea Harry Harris speaks with the press at his official residence in Seoul on Apr. 22.
|
Harry Harris sends message emphasizing importance of trilateral alliance
US Ambassador to South Korea Harry Harris sent a message on Apr. 22 indirectly urging South Korea and Japan to mend their relationship, arguing that the trilateral relationship would be strengthened if Seoul and Tokyo “see eye to eye.” Speaking with Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) reporters that afternoon at his official Habib House residence in Seoul’s Jeong-dong neighborhood, Harris was asked whether he was concerned about South Korea becoming isolated amid the increased closeness of North Korea, China, and Russia and the intensified alliance between the US and Japan. “I don’t agree,” Harris replied, adding, “I don’t believe that South Korea has become isolated.” Noting that the US had formed individual alliances with South Korea and Japan, he said, “I think the relationship among the three countries will be strengthened if Japan and South Korea see eye to eye.” The message was seen as underscoring US concerns about the souring relations between South Korea and Japan, who have clashed repeatedly over matters such as a South Korean Supreme Court ruling last year ordering compensation for forced labor during the imperial Japanese occupation and the alleged use of radar in response to low-altitude flybys by Japanese patrol aircraft. Noting that Russia and China were cooperating with the US sanctions regime, Harris said, “I believe China and Russia are not part of the problem [North Korean nuclear issue], but part of the solution.” When asked about the prospects for a third North Korea-US summit, Harris said he did not have any predictions “apart from my belief that a third summit will be held.” “I know that President [Donald] Trump wants [a third summit], and Chairman Kim [Jong-un] may want one as well. The ball is in North Korea’s court,” he added. When asked for his thoughts on inter-Korean economic cooperation and South Korean President Moon Jae-in’s position that some sanctions relief is necessary while denuclearization is being pursued, Harris replied, “We have never received an official proposal for partial sanctions relief from South Korea.” “While we have of course had a lot of discussions with the South Korean government, President Trump and President Moon ultimately reaffirmed their shared goal of North Korea’s final, fully verifiable denuclearization [FFVD) at their Washington summit,” he continued. When asked whether the US might consider an “intermediate stage” between a “big deal” and “small deal” on the North Korean nuclear issue, Harris said, “I don’t understand what an ‘intermediate stage’ refers to.” “If it means lifting sanctions, then no,” he added, in a message reaffirming Washington’s position opposing sanctions relief prior to denuclearization. Harris also responded to recent messages from North Korean First Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui and others openly criticizing White House National Security Advisor John Bolton and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. “I mainly see that as being for North Korea’s internal consumption,” he said, leaving some room for interpretation. By Kim Ji-eun, staff reporter Please direct comments or questions to [english@hani.co.kr]
