KORUS FTA to be discussed after U.S. presidential elections: envoy

BUSAN, Oct. 25 (Yonhap) -- Negotiations to move forward on the bilateral free
trade pact will likely be handled after the U.S. presidential elections in
November, Washington's ambassador to South Korea said Saturday.
Ambassador Kathleen Stephens told reporters in Busan that there were many areas
South Korea and the United States could work together on, including the
ratification of the free trade agreement (FTA) reached last year.
She said detailed talks should begin after the elections and proceed through
January, adding that it would be best if the matter is concluded as soon as
possible.
The ambassador, who speaks fluent Korean, then said that while there may be a
need to see political developments taking place in November and December, both
the Republican and Democratic parties want smooth relations with Seoul.
Besides the long-drawn FTA process, she said the two sides could share views on
the current global economic crisis and developments surrounding the Korean
Peninsula.
Stephens also said that she respected the achievements made by South Korea in
terms of its economic development and democracy and expressed a desire to travel
extensively throughout the country during her stay.
The new ambassador worked as a consul in Busan from 1987-89 before being assigned
to key positions at the U.S. State Department. She arrived in the country last
month to take over from Alexander Vershbow.