[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 111 (Tuesday, July 27, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1432]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE KOREAN WAR: WHY PEACE MATTERS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 27, 2010

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, this year marks the 60th anniversary of 
the Korean War and the fifty-seventh anniversary of the signing of the 
July 1953 Armistice Agreement. The Korean War cost the lives of over 4 
million people and a lasting peace remains elusive. The people on the 
Korean peninsula continue to suffer as they are caught in the midst of 
a perpetual state of war and heightened tension. Families are divided 
and they are left voiceless.
  The recent sinking of the Republic of Korea Ship (ROKS) Cheonan in 
May and the subsequent announcement that North Korea was severing all 
relations with South Korea is a symptom of a failed policy in the 
region. It highlights the need for a permanent peace settlement and for 
diplomatic efforts to bring North and South Korea to such a settlement.
  Following the sinking of the ROKS Cheonan, officials in the 
Administration vowed that the attack would not go unanswered. After 60 
years, the United States has failed to establish formal diplomatic 
channels with North Korea that would be vital in diffusing such crises.
  The United States spends over one billion dollars per year to 
maintain its military presence in South Korea. At a time when millions 
of Americans are out of work and are struggling to pay their bills, one 
billion dollars per year is needlessly poured into further militarizing 
the Korean peninsula. There are debates in Washington over how we are 
going to pay for unemployment benefits. Yet no one asks how we are 
going to pay to maintain hundreds of U.S. military bases around the 
world. No one questions the costs to U.S. tax payers or the Korean 
people.
  I believe strongly in the power and necessity of diplomacy. The 
United States has a responsibility to utilize its unique role as an 
ally of South Korea to bring the nation closer to resolution with North 
Korea.
  The Administration can better express support for the people of the 
Republic of Korea by recommitting to promoting dialogue between the two 
nations. The expression of support for a possible military response to 
North Korea's actions can only serve to heighten the likelihood of a 
military confrontation. Military action in retaliation to North Korea's 
attack on the South Korean ship can only result in the further loss of 
life.
  Further militarization in the region can have adverse affects on U.S. 
national security and our support of a military response to North Korea 
can only undermine future prospects of peace. Further isolating North 
Korea from South Korea and the international community does not serve 
the interest of any country truly dedicated to regional stability. Let 
us use this somber anniversary to work toward peace and facilitate a 
lasting peace settlement between North and South Korea.

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