State Department: "The ROK-US Alliance Transcends Specific Presidents and Governments"
"Encouraged by the Resilience of Korean Democracy"
The U.S. government has stated that the impeachment motion against President Yoon Seok-yeol, who declared and lifted martial law, will be handled according to the South Korean constitution. It also emphasized support for South Korean democracy and that the South Korea-U.S. alliance remains strong beyond any specific president or administration.
On the 5th (local time), Vedant Patel, Deputy Spokesperson of the U.S. Department of State, responded to reporters' questions during a briefing, saying, "The impeachment process is an internal procedure of South Korea and is expected to be handled according to the South Korean constitution."
He added, "We will continue to support South Korea’s rule of law and democracy, which we consider the fundamental pillars of the alliance," emphasizing, "We continue to expect that South Korea’s democratic system and democratic procedures will prevail."
He also reaffirmed the strength of the South Korea-U.S. alliance. Deputy Spokesperson Patel said regarding the alliance, "This relationship, this alliance, the partnership we have with South Korea transcends any specific president or administration on either side of the Pacific (South Korea and the U.S.). It is an alliance and partnership that has transcended various administrations, including Republican and Democratic, and will continue to be maintained equally in South Korea." He added, "We will continue to advance all priorities with South Korea and also progress the strong trilateral partnership among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan."
He expressed concern about the recent martial law situation in South Korea. He said, "We were concerned about the situation that occurred on the 3rd (martial law)," and added, "Many questions related to decisions surrounding this development need to be answered." He continued, "The activation of martial law and related measures that could affect individual rights and freedoms is certainly a very serious issue that must be taken seriously," and evaluated, "The withdrawal of martial law following the parliamentary vote demonstrates South Korea’s democratic resilience during an uncertain time."
Furthermore, Deputy Spokesperson Patel stated, "We are encouraged by the resilience of South Korean democracy during this trial and period of uncertainty," and said, "Our alliance remains strong. The American people stand with the South Korean people and warn against any provocations or threats to the alliance."
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has decided to postpone his planned visit to South Korea due to the martial law situation. According to foreign media reports, Secretary Austin had planned to visit Japan and South Korea sequentially starting next week to hold U.S.-Japan and South Korea-U.S. defense minister meetings, but he judged that now is not an appropriate time. Analysts attribute this to the aftermath of the parliamentary impeachment motion against President Yoon and the resignation of South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyung.
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