ISDS Case Map
Korea
Tens of thousands of Koreans held another candlelit vigil Friday night, demanding the government scrap the agreement to import most US beef.
President Lee Myung-bak renewed Thursday his pledge to prioritize the health of the Korean people in his government's policy to restart U.S. beef imports, accusing opponents of the Korea-U.S. free trade agreement of spreading groundless fears of mad cow disease.
The top Australian diplomat said Wednesday his country supports President Lee Myung-bak's policy toward North Korea focused on dismantling its nuclear weapons program before providing economic aid. Foreign Minister Stephen Smith also expressed hope that the two nations will sign a free trade agreement as a way for boosting bilateral ties.
Agriculture minister Chung Woon-chun told lawmakers that Seoul will take the unilateral step even if such a move could lead to trade disputes with Washington.
South Koreans opposing the government's decision to import most US beef cuts vowed to continue candlelight vigils later Tuesday despite a police warning to stay away from political rallies.
With the growing concerns about and backlash against the resumption of US beef imports, the Korea-US free trade agreement could fail to get ratification in the 17th National Assembly.
Some 10,000 South Koreans gathered in Seoul late Friday to peacefully protest the government's decision to resume US beef imports, despite outcry over the safety of the product once banned over concersn of mad cow disease.
Thousands of South Korean workers rallied Thursday against a planned free trade pact with the United States and the pro-market policies of new President Lee Myung-Bak.
The United States is seeking to prevent Asian countries from pushing for closer economic cooperation while excluding Washington, a senior U.S. government official suggested Thursday.
