"You must not veto NATO"
"If you are overly conscious of China and Russia, the United States will have doubts"
Presidential office official: "NATO attendance shifts from negative to positive"
Ahn Cheolsoo, a member of the People Power Party, is giving an interview to Asia Economy on April 25. Photo by Yoon Dongjoo
Ahn Cheolsoo, a member of the People Power Party, urged President Lee Jaemyung not to veto NATO and to immediately announce his intention to attend the NATO summit.
On June 13, Ahn made this statement on his Facebook page, saying, "Confused, Gwanghaegun-style diplomacy must not lead to a diplomatic disaster that harms the national interest."
Ahn stated, "On June 24, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit will take place. It is a significant international stage directly linked to our diplomacy and security, where the leaders of the free democratic camps of North America and Europe discuss the global security order and strategic cooperation. Since 2022, the Republic of Korea has also been officially invited and has played a diplomatic role as a responsible member of the free camp."
He continued, "Nevertheless, reports continue to suggest that President Lee Jaemyung's attendance remains uncertain. This is not an issue to hesitate over. By hesitating to attend and being overly conscious of China and Russia, doubts from the United States are growing. Attending the NATO summit would be a clear message that can realize security, economic, and diplomatic interests, and there is no reason for the Republic of Korea not to participate."
He added, "Diplomacy is about principles, not reading the room, and clumsy 'Gwanghaegun-style diplomacy' can ultimately result in a diplomatic disaster that loses our national interest. I strongly urge President Lee Jaemyung: do not make the mistake of vetoing NATO. You must attend the NATO summit to clearly establish the status and presence of the Republic of Korea within the free camp. What is needed now is not an ambiguous attitude, but clear principles."
Meanwhile, according to a report by JoongAng Ilbo on the same day, a key official from the presidential office stated, "The atmosphere (regarding attendance at the NATO summit) has changed. Initially, the mood was negative, but that is no longer the case."
Another official also told reporters that day, "It seems better to attend. Although it is not confirmed, there is a possibility of going." A Democratic Party official was also quoted as saying, "As far as I know, it has practically shifted toward attending, but the final decision rests with the President."
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