[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 4877]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    INAUGURATION OF PRESIDENT ROH MOO HYUN OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL E. CAPUANO

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 26, 2003

  Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to inform the House of the 
inauguration of President Roh Moo Hyun of the Republic of Korea (ROK) 
on February 25, 2003. His inauguration marks a new opportunity for 
peace on the Korean peninsula and a stronger relationship with the 
United States.
  President Roh represents a new generation of South Korean leaders 
that have been entrusted with an awesome responsibility to protect 
democracy in an age of growing instability and open hostility on the 
Korean peninsula. South Korea has grown into a country that has 
successfully transformed into a thriving, democratic nation over the 
last several decades. I am confident that under the leadership of 
President Roh, a new generation of Koreans will effectively use their 
country's untapped human, economic, and political potential to shape an 
even brighter and more prosperous world.
  The new South Korean government also presents an important 
opportunity for US Korean relations. We must work together to ease the 
tension that has been permitted to rise on the peninsula in recent 
months. I know Americans share a common goal with the South Korean 
people in achieving a safer, more secure world, and promoting peace and 
prosperity on the Korean peninsula and throughout Asia.
  The United States is dedicated to achieving these common goals with 
South Korea. Both nations must come together to formulate proposals to 
address the security challenges we are facing. Over the last 50 years, 
we have joined with South Korea to promote democracy in Asia. I am 
hopeful that our relationship will continue to grow under President 
Roh's leadership.
  I want to congratulate President Roh and the citizens of South Korea 
for boldly taking up the challenge to build a better and safer Korea.

                          ____________________