Speeches and Transcripts

Toast by

Alexander R. Vershbow
U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea
at
“A Night for Democracy in Burma”
in commemoration of the 7th Anniversary of Former President Kim Dae-Jung’s Winning the 2000 Nobel Peace Prize

Seoul - December 4, 2007

President Kim Dae-jung, it is a great honor for me to join you and Mrs. Kim tonight to celebrate the seventh anniversary of your receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.

Your life and accomplishments are an inspiration to us all.  Your courageous fight for democracy dramatically transformed Korea into the vibrant and open society it is today.  Your bold leadership in the wake of the 1997 Asian financial crisis fundamentally restructured the South Korean economy, making it stronger, more efficient, and much more competitive.

The depth of the current discussions between the two Koreas, which could lead to further opening of North Korea and the opportunity for its oppressed people to live better lives, is the result of your leadership and vision.

As the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, I am proud of the close relationship my government has had with you throughout your career.

Mr. President, you have drawn the world’s attention to the fact that this struggle continues in other corners of the globe; I would like to salute your decision to draw on your experience and prestige and help the people’s call for democracy in Burma.  Americans too regard this as a fundamental issue for all freedom-loving people.

As President Bush said after the horrific violence in Burma in September, “I call on all nations that have influence with the regime to join us in supporting the aspirations of the Burmese people and to tell the Burmese Junta to cease using force on its own people, who are peacefully expressing their desire for change.”

That round of violence ended, but there has been no improvement in the people's fundamental situation, nor any willingness on the part of the ruling junta to engage in a real dialogue with pro-democracy leaders.  The continuing arrests that are going on even now further raise doubts that Than Shwe is interested in a genuine dialogue that will lead to national reconciliation.

We must let the Burmese leaders know in no uncertain terms that they must change, that they must listen to their own people, and that they must free your fellow Nobel laureate, Madam Aung San Suu Kyi.

Like all supporters of democracy, Americans are gratified that you have chosen to make a strong stand on the plight of the Burmese people.

With the words of the famous American poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, I raise my glass to you.  Emerson said “we judge of man’s wisdom by his hope.”   Your indomitable hope and vision over the decades has transformed this nation, and your wisdom is a model for us all.

To your wisdom and to hope for freedom for the people of Burma and all nations!

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