US envoy calls Korean peninsula division a tragedyBy KELLY OLSEN
The Associated Press
Wednesday, December 15, 2010; 8:44 AM
SEOUL, South Korea -- The U.S. ambassador to South Korea called the Korean peninsula's post-World War II division a great tragedy Wednesday, responding to heated criticism of America's role in the breakup.
The United States and the former Soviet Union divided the peninsula into separate occupation zones in what was meant to be a temporary measure following Japan's surrender in 1945, which ended 35 years of colonial rule by Tokyo. The current political form took shape in 1948 with the foundation of the Republic of Korea in the South and the rival Democratic People's Republic of Korea in the North.
"The division of Korea was one of the great tragedies of the 20th century, and the division of Korea happened through no fault of the Korean people," Ambassador Kathleen Stephens told a meeting of the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea.The comment was prompted by Chi Yang-chin, a professor emeritus in the social welfare department of South Korea's Chung-Ang University. He launched into a lengthy criticism of the role played by the United States and the Soviet Union in the peninsula's division.
"This is your responsibility," said Chi, a member of the chamber, adding the United States "should be responsible to unify this country." He called on Stephens to "reflect Korean opinion to the higher politicians in Washington."
unhappycamper comment: Want to talk about 20th century tragedies Kathleen?
World War I was a tragedy.
World War II was a tragedy.
Korea was a tragedy.
Vietnam was a tragedy.
Gulf War I was a tragedy.
Iraq still is a tragedy.
Afghanistan still is a tragedy.
Wake up, please.
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
