Most Popular
-
1
Dongduk Women’s University halts coeducation talks
-
2
Russia sent 'anti-air' missiles to Pyongyang, Yoon's aide says
-
3
Defense ministry denies special treatment for BTS’ V amid phone use allegations
-
4
OpenAI in talks with Samsung to power AI features, report says
-
5
Two jailed for forcing disabled teens into prostitution
-
6
South Korean military plans to launch new division for future warfare
-
7
Gold bars and cash bundles; authorities confiscate millions from tax dodgers
-
8
Teen smoking, drinking decline, while mental health, dietary habits worsen
-
9
Kia EV9 GT marks world debut at LA Motor Show
-
10
North Korean leader ‘convinced’ dialogue won’t change US hostility
US closely monitoring upcoming S. Korean election in wake of Park's ouster
By Shin Hyon-heePublished : March 11, 2017 - 13:27
The United States is closely monitoring developments in South Korea, including its upcoming presidential election, the White House said Friday as it reaffirmed the alliance with Seoul in the wake of the ouster of President Park Geun-hye from office.
"I believe they have to have an election within 60 days. There is an acting president who we have strong relationships with. We will continue to work with South Korea. They're both an ally and a friend in the region," White House press secretary Sean Spicer said at a regular briefing.
"This is obviously an issue that we continue to keep up with on the developments there. It's a domestic issue in which the United States takes no position in the outcome of that election. It's up to the Korean people and their democratic institutions to determine the future of their country," he said.
The US continues to be "a steadfast ally, friend and partner" to South Korea, Spicer said.
Earlier Friday, South Korea's Constitutional Court unanimously endorsed Park's impeachment, removing her from office before completing her five-year term that was set to end in February next year. By law, the country should elect a new leader in two months.
She was impeached by the National Assembly on Dec. 9 on charges of letting a close friend meddle in state affairs, colluding with her to extort money from conglomerates, and neglecting her duties during a 2014 ferry sinking that killed more than 300.
US experts have expressed concern about possible negative effects to the alliance in case South Korea elects a liberal candidate who seeks a softer approach to a nuclear-armed North Korea and closer ties with China amid tensions over the US deployment of the THAAD missile defense system in the South.
"It is probably that a progressive candidate will win the presidency, raising the potential for strains in the South Korean-US relationship," said Bruce Klingner, a senior Korea expert at the Heritage Foundation.
Meanwhile, Spicer said that Trump had lunch with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who is set to visit South Korea, Japan and China next week in his first trip to the region since taking office.
"I know that the trip was one of the topics of discussion," he said without providing further details. (Yonhap)
