ROK-US Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Conversation

Foreign Minister Kim Sung-Hwan had a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at her request on November 25 to discuss North Korea’s artillery attack on Yeonpyeong Island on November 23. Minister Kim expressed appreciation for the US having issued a statement, the first to do so, condemning North Korea for the provocative act and supporting Korea following the incident. He noted that the recent artillery shelling constitutes a clear, premeditated and intentional armed provocation against Korea in violation of the UN Charter, Armistice Agreement and Inter-Korean Basic Agreement, stressing that artillery was indiscriminately fired against even civilians, making it intolerable by any means. He expressed his resolve to respond firmly to North Korea’s action. After conveying condolences to the victims once again on behalf of the US government and people, Secretary Clinton responded that as President Obama had stated in his telephone conversation with his Korean counterpart on November 24, the US, as an ally, will remain committed to the defense of Korea; and reaffirmed the US government’s firm determination to jointly respond to the provocation in close cooperation with Korea. In the telephone conversation, Minister Kim and Secretary Clinton agreed to consult and work closely in dealing with the recent overall North Korean nuclear situation, including North Korea’s resumption of uranium-enrichment activity and North Korea policies; the KORUS (Korea-US) FTA; and other bilateral issues. Further, they concurred to meet at the earliest possible date as their schedules permit.