[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 73 (Tuesday, June 9, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5799-S5800]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SENATE RESOLUTION 245--EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE SENATE THAT THE 
  UNITED STATES AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA SHOULD CONTINUE TO ADVANCE 
 ALREADY CLOSE BILATERAL SECURITY, ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL TIES FOR THE 
                    MUTUAL BENEFIT OF BOTH COUNTRIES

  Mr. ROTH (for himself and Mr. Thomas) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations:

                              S. Res. 245

       Whereas, the United States maintains a close, critical and 
     robust bilateral partnership with the Republic of Korea, and 
     has a profound interest in furthering that relationship;
       Whereas, the U.S. security relationship with the ROK, based 
     on the 1953 Mutual Defense Treaty, bilateral consultations 
     and combined military forces, is one of our most important, 
     and it is in both countries' interest, as well as in the 
     interest of the countries of the Asia Pacific region for that 
     relationship to be maintained;

[[Page S5800]]

       Whereas, the ROK is the United States' seventh largest 
     trading partner, fifth largest export market and fourth 
     largest market for U.S. agricultural products;
       Whereas, the recent presidential election of Kim Dae Jung, 
     formerly one of his country's most prominent dissidents, 
     further demonstrates the strength and vibrancy of democracy 
     in the ROK;
       Whereas, the ROK has already made significant strides in 
     reforming, restructuring and opening its economy in response 
     to the Asian financial crisis;
       Whereas, President Kim has committed his administration to 
     making an array of further structural reforms that over the 
     medium- to long-term, will produce a more open, competitive 
     and dynamic Korea, benefiting the Korean people, U.S.-ROK 
     relations and the global economy:
       Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate that:
       (1) The United States and the Republic of Korea should 
     continue to advance already close bilateral security, 
     economic and political ties for the mutual benefit of both 
     countries, and for the maintenance of peace, stability and 
     prosperity in the Asia Pacific region; and
       (2) Commends President Kim Dae Jung and the Republic of 
     Korea for the measures already implemented and those measures 
     it has committed to implement to resolve the country's 
     economic and financial problems.

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