U.S. Embassy extols Kim`s role in alliance, inter-Korean relations, world democracy

By Lee Chi-dong
SEOUL, Aug. 18 (Yonhap) -- The U.S. Embassy in Seoul called late former President
Kim Dae-jung an "inspiring leader, a committed activist, and a good friend,"
joining a wave of condolences after his death Tuesday.
The embassy said Kim, South Korea's president from 1998-2003, greatly contributed
to the alliance between the two countries and the reduction in tensions on the
Korean Peninsula.
"During his time in office, relations between the United States and the Republic
of Korea made significant gains," the embassy said in an e-mailed statement.
"President Kim's leadership on North Korean relations was greatly appreciated by
Washington policymakers, who continued to seek and value his advice well after
his term expired."
It said Kim closely worked with the U.S. government in "mitigating the effects of
the Asian Financial Crisis; many of those reforms, though painful at the time,
made Korea a stronger economy capable of weathering even the current global
economic downturn."
The embassy characterized Kim as a "symbol of the Korean people's democratic
aspirations" and an "inspiration to democracy activists around the world."
"In recent years, he worked closely with governments and democracy advocates
throughout Asia and tirelessly sought to promote peace in the region," it said.
"Korea's transformation into a vibrant and healthy democracy owes much to
President Kim's vision and struggle for freedom."
"On this sad day, our heartfelt sympathies go out to President Kim's family,
followers and to the Korean people," it added.
lcd@yna.co.kr
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