US-ROK Alliance Should Continue to Develop

US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld agreed yesterday to rebalance the alliance between South Korea and the United States, said a member of the delegation visiting

Washington, D.C. on behalf of President-elect Roh Moo-hyun.

The delegation member said, "When meeting with Mr. Rumsfeld, our members delivered Mr. Roh`s message that the alliance between the United States and South Korea should continue to develop in the future. Mr. Roh hopes that the US troops in Korea contribute to the balanced development for the benefits of both sides."

He confirmed, "Mr. Rumsfeld knew that Mr. Roh had stressed the need to rebalance the alliance between the two countries during his campaign. He expressed his consent and promised his cooperation in achieving that goal."

He also said, "Secretary Rumsfeld understands the complex nature of North Korea`s nuclear standoff. It involves not only the interest of the Untied States and North Korea, but also interests of many other countries like South Korea, Japan and China. He said President George Bush is trying to resolve the crisis in consultation with the international community."

Defense Department deputy spokesperson Jeff Davis confirmed that Secretary Rumsfeld discussed, for 45 minutes with the South Korean delegation, the necessities of building up a strong alliance between the two countries and maintaining a close consultation for peaceful resolution of North Korea`s nuclear issue. He also exchanged opinions with the delegates on the future of the US-ROK relationship.

On Feb. 4th, the South Korean delegation is scheduled to have a series of meeting with senior Bush administration officials including Secretary of State Colin Powell and National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice. But it is not sure whether they could meet President Bush due to his busy schedule.

If unable to meet President Bush, the delegation plans to deliver Mr. Roh`s letter via Secretary Colin Powell to Bush.

Ki-Heung Han eligius@donga.com