Clinton praises President Kim

US President Bill Clinton Monday cited the June inter-Korean summit as an engagement policy success story, saying that ¡°a leader supported by the people rather than a dictator makes the more courageous decision.`` Clinton said that President Kim Dae-Jung, a staunch advocate of democracy, has the legitimacy with which he can promote changes, and could therefore overcome the economic crisis and could adopt a bold rapprochement policy toward North Korea.

Clinton made the remarks in an address at a luncheon with 500 members of foreign diplomatic missions and lawmakers attending the Democratic Party`s National Convention in Los Angeles, according to Korean Ambassador to the U.S. Yang Sung-Chul. The U.S. President noted that some people say democracy is impossible in Asia because of different cultural values, but the appearance of leaders like President Kim has brought about significant changes and proven democracy is universal.