[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 72 (Friday, June 5, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1042]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 COMMEMORATING 50 YEARS OF RELATIONS BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND THE 
                     REPUBLIC OF KOREA, H. RES. 459

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 5, 1998

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to introduce today a Resolution 
commemorating 50 years of relations between the United States and the 
Republic of Korea. It is right and fitting that the House of 
Representatives makes note of the special relationship that the United 
States and the Republic of Korea have shared since 1948--nearly half a 
century.
  The introduction of this Resolution also marks the visit of South 
Korean President Kim Dae-jung to the United States and to Capitol Hill 
next week on June 10th where he will address a joint session of the 
Congress.
  I congratulate President Kim and the people of South Korea on the 
most recent presidential elections and their strong commitment to 
democratic principles and practices. President Kim's visit provides a 
unique opportunity for the United States and the Republic of Korea to 
renew their commitment to cooperate on issues of mutual interest and 
concern.
  Though the United States and South Korea are literally an ocean 
apart, the large Korean-American community--of almost two million--has 
immeasurably enriched the social and cultural fabric of the United 
States and serves as a sturdy bridge of friendship between the two 
countries.
  The United States has important strategic, economic and political 
interests at stake in Northeast Asia and maintaining stability remains 
an overriding U.S. security concern in the region. South Korean 
soldiers have stood shoulder to shoulder with American troops on the 
battlefields of Korea and Vietnam to protect and advance these mutual 
interests.
  Today, South Korea remains an important partner and ally in guarding 
the peace and maintaining stability in Northeast Asia. To support these 
objectives, 37,000 American servicemen and women are stationed in South 
Korea protecting freedom and democracy which is threatened on a daily 
basis by the communist government and armed forces of the Democratic 
People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
  The United States is pleased with the flourishing of democracy in 
South Korea. It is hoped that the Republic of Korea will serve as an 
example to others in the region and will encourage progress in the 
furthering of democratic principles and practices, respect for human 
rights, and the enhancement of the rule of law.
  I am confident that despite current economic uncertainties, the 
Republic of Korea will weather the troubles plaguing Asia and emerge 
even stronger than before.
  The Congress looks forward to a broadening and deepening of 
friendship and cooperation with the Republic of Korea in the years 
ahead for the mutual benefit of the peoples of the United States and 
the Republic of Korea.
  I am pleased to have this opportunity to introduce the legislation 
and I invite my colleagues in the House of Representatives to support 
this Resolution commemorating the distinctive ties between the peoples 
and the governments of these two great nations.
  I include the entire text of H. Res. 459 for insertion at this point 
in the Record:

                              H. Res. 459

       Whereas the Republic of Korea was established 50 years ago 
     on August 15, 1948;
       Whereas the United States and the Republic of Korea have 
     long had a close relationship based on mutual respect, shared 
     security goals, and common interests and values;
       Whereas the United States relies on the Republic of Korea 
     as a partner and treaty ally in fostering regional stability, 
     enhancing prosperity, and promoting peace and democracy;
       Whereas the American military personnel who are, and have 
     been, stationed on the Korean Peninsula have been key in 
     deterring armed aggression for more than 4 decades;
       Whereas South Korean soldiers fought alongside American 
     troops on the battlefields of Korea and Vietnam;
       Whereas the Republic of Korea has embraced economic reform 
     and free market principles in response to current economic 
     circumstances;
       Whereas the Republic of Korea is an important trading 
     partner of the United States, the recipient of significant 
     direct American investment, and a prominent investor in the 
     United States;
       Whereas the large Korean-American community has made 
     significant contributions to American society and culture;
       Whereas the people of the Republic of Korea have 
     demonstrated their strong commitment to democratic principles 
     and practices through free and fair elections; and
       Whereas the state visit of President Kim Dae-jung to the 
     United States offers the people of the United States and the 
     people of South Korea an opportunity to renew their 
     commitment to international cooperation on issues of mutual 
     interest and concern: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) congratulates the Republic of Korea on the 50th 
     anniversary of its founding;
       (2) commends the people of the Republic of Korea on the 
     peaceful democratic transition that has taken place during 
     the most recent Presidential elections;
       (3) supports the government of President Kim Dae-jung as it 
     takes appropriate measures to address the problems in the 
     Korean economy;
       (4) confirms that the question of peace, security, and 
     reunification on the Korean Peninsula is, first and foremost, 
     a matter for the Korean people to decide and that the Four-
     Party Peace Talks complement direct North-South dialog; and
       (5) looks forward to a broadening and deepening of 
     friendship and cooperation with the Republic of Korea in the 
     years ahead for the mutual benefit of the people of the 
     United States and the people of the Republic of Korea.

     

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