Speeches and Transcripts
Statement by Ambassador Kathleen Stephens on the Death of Former President Roh Moo-hyun
May 24, 2009
I was deeply saddened by the news of the death of former President Roh Moo-hyun of the Republic of Korea. His passing is a loss to us all, but especially to the people of Korea, who have lost a leader and a powerful voice for democracy and human rights.
President Roh made important contributions to modernizing the relationship between the United States and the Republic of Korea.
During his tenure as President, the U.S. and Korea began several initiatives to broaden and deepen our already vital and dynamic relationship, including working toward a Visa Waiver Program, working to consolidate the U.S. military presence in Korea, and agreement to transfer full operational command authority to Korean forces. The Korea - U.S. Free Trade Agreement, signed in 2007, stands as an important milestone in relations between our two nations, achieved during President Roh's term of office.