Clinton praises Roh's dedication to democracy, rights

By Hwang Doo-hyong
WASHINGTON, May 28 (Yonhap) -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton praised
late former South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun Thursday for his dedication to
democracy and human rights.

Clinton made the remarks after standing in silent tribute to Roh in front of an
altar set up in the lobby of the South Korean Embassy in downtown Washington D.C.
early in the morning.
Roh jumped to his death Saturday while hiking with a bodyguard in his hometown of
Gimhae, South Gyeongsang Province, leaving behind a suicide note expressing his
regret for "having caused so much pain to others." He asked that his body be
cremated and a small monument erected in his hometown.
The former president, who finished his five-year term early last year, had been
under investigation for allegedly taking bribes in a multi-million dollar scandal
surrounding his family.
Roh had maintained he was not aware that his wife had taken money from a wealthy
businessman while in office.
"President Roh's dedication to democracy and human rights are values the United
States and the Republic of Korea share," Clinton said. "I know this is a very sad
moment for the people of Korea and we share that sadness with you. Our alliance,
our partnership and our friendship is as strong as ever."
The top U.S. diplomat also said she was "honored to be here on behalf of
President Obama and the American people to offer our condolences to the family
and to the people of Korea. We are grateful for his life and his leadership."
South Korean Ambassador Han Duck-soo, who served as prime minister under the Roh
administration, said he conveyed the South Korean people's thanks to Clinton for
her tribute to Roh at the South Korean Embassy.
Clinton also expressed her wish for South Korea to overcome all difficulties
stemming from Roh's death, Han said, detailing his brief conversation with her
after she paid tribute.
U.S. President Barack Obama also expressed his condolences last week.
"I was saddened by the news of the death of former President Roh Moo-hyun of the
Republic of Korea," Obama said in a statement. "During his tenure, President Roh
contributed to the strong and vital relationship between the United States and
the Republic of Korea. On behalf of the government of the United States, I offer
my condolences to his family and to the Korean people."
U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Kathleen Stephens will lead a U.S. delegation to
the funeral for Roh, scheduled for Friday in Seoul.
Joining Stephens are, among others, Gen. Walter Sharp, commander of U.S. forces
in Korea, and Alexander Arvizu, deputy assistant secretary of state for East Asia
and Pacific.
The liberal Roh government had an awkward relationship with Bush while attempting
to reduce U.S. influence in South Korea, where 28,000 U.S. troops still serve as
a legacy of the 1950-53 Korean War.
Roh, however, sent thousands of South Korean troops to Iraq as part of the
U.S.-led war on terror and signed a free trade agreement with the U.S. amid
strong opposition from his liberal supporters.
hdh@yna.co.kr
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