[Editorial] Forcing Foreign Minister to Resign is Inordinate

President Roh Moo-hyun forced Foreign Affairs-Trade Minister Yoon Young-kwan to resign, holding him responsible for some of the foreign ministry officials’ inappropriate comments. For the time being, confusion is likely to overwhelm the foreign ministry as President Roh kicked out its head Yoon whose ministry was still in a state of shock because the president reprimanded it publicly. We believe that President Roh made a terrible choice that will cripple not only the foreign ministry, but also diplomacy of the entire nation.

Moreover, Cheong Wa Dae is claiming that such a stir is caused by the conflict between dependent foreign policies and independent foreign policies of the Participatory Government. In other words, it is accusing the foreign policy direction of Yoon. However, Cheong Wa Dae must not divert all of its responsibilities to the foreign ministry, as it also bears some responsibilities.

Extreme responses only stimulate a crisis. Above all, I am worried about the negative influence of such a measure on the public sector including the foreign ministry. President Roh on Tuesday criticized misunderstanding and dissenting opinions of the foreign ministry officials and emphasized that the public servant must respect and faithfully carry out the policies of the president. However, a ministerial change could be interpreted by extension that the government will not tolerate sound criticism, discussions, and alternative policy proposals. Let’s think what can be truly gained by forcing civil servants to obey the government’s central policies blindly.

What is diplomacy? Diplomacy is negotiation between nations or people. Diplomats must respond carefully to the circumstantial changes. If the foreign ministry officials have to follow only the guidelines that the president suggests, there is no reason for diplomacy to exist. The president may emphasize his foreign policies, but if he ignores variables that can occur during actual situations of diplomacy, the best outcome is unlikely to be achieved. Even the independent foreign policies that Cheong Wa Dae insists can be only acquired by diplomacy, not by guidelines.

The reshuffle of the foreign minister will negatively influence our diplomatic relations with major diplomatic partners. Cheong Wa Dae should also be wary of the fact that some consider independent foreign polices as anti-American foreign policies. Some politicians may believe they are the winner of the controversy, but they should be reminded that the people recognizes everyone as a loser.