Lee Jae-myung's Urgent Press Conference Today (21st)
Presented 6 Major Demands for Korea-US Summit
Principle of Non-Intervention in Taiwan Issue Must Be Upheld
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said on the 21st that President Yoon Seok-yeol, who is about to make a state visit to the United States, "should not make any agreement in any form regarding weapons support for Ukraine at the Korea-US summit."
On the same day, Lee held an urgent press conference at the National Assembly regarding President Yoon's remarks on weapons support for Ukraine under the Yoon Seok-yeol administration, stating, "I hope President Yoon will engage in mature diplomacy for national interests at the upcoming Korea-US summit," and mentioned three things that must be done and three things that must not be done.
Lee began by saying, "Diplomacy is a silent war," and added, "There are many things to be cautious about, but please keep the following matters firmly in mind." Along with the principle of no weapons support for Ukraine, he urged, "The principle of South Korea's non-involvement in the Taiwan issue must be upheld and excluded from the joint statement discussions." He also said, "Do not engage in further wasteful spending or diplomacy that harms national interests."
As matters that must be firmly upheld, he said, "We must clearly express our concerns about the US eavesdropping scandal, and confirm the US side's intention regarding apologies and measures to prevent recurrence." Additionally, he said, "‘IRA’ and the ‘Semiconductor Support Act’ should be included as agenda items for the Korea-US summit so that our companies do not suffer damage and can receive equal treatment." He also urged, "We must declare and uphold the principle of not providing lethal weapons to conflict zones in any form or manner."
Regarding President Yoon's mention of the possibility of weapons support for Ukraine in an interview with foreign media on the 19th, Lee said, "If weapons support to Ukraine actually takes place, the repercussions and shock will be beyond imagination," and warned, "There are warnings that weapons support for Ukraine could effectively mean a shutdown notice for our companies." Furthermore, he cautioned, "Weapons support could provoke closer military ties between North Korea and Russia, ultimately escalating the crisis on the Korean Peninsula."
Regarding solutions to President Yoon's remarks, Lee advised, "President Yoon should directly and thoroughly explain the truth of his weapons support remarks to the people and apologize," and stated, "I urge him to retract the incorrect remarks."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
