1. 모두말씀 

(유명환 장관)

여러분 반갑습니다. 금일 서울을 방문하신 클린턴 국무장관에게 다시 한 번 환영의 말씀을 드립니다.

본인과 클린턴 국무장관은 금일 회담에서 한ㆍ미동맹이 한반도와 동북아지역의 평화 안정에 있어 초석이며, 양국은 공동의 가치와 신뢰를 기반으로 그 어느 때보다도 견고한 최상의 동맹관계를 발전시키고 있다는 데 인식을 같이 하였습니다.

아울러 우리는 이와 같은 공고한 동맹관계를 기반으로 천안함 사건 관련 향후 대응방향에 대해 폭넓은 의견교환을 가졌습니다.
 
또한 6월 하순 한-미 정상회담과 7월 하순 개최 예정인 외교국방장관 합동회의에 대해서도 협의를 가졌습니다.

우선 천안함 사건과 관련하여 클린턴 장관은 합동조사단의 과학적이고 객관적인 조사결과에 대해 확고한 신뢰와 지지를 표명하였으며, 한국 정부가 천안함 사태를 침착하고 냉정하게 다루고 있는 데 대해 평가하였습니다.

또한 우리는 북한의 무력공격은 정전협정, 남북기본합의서, UN헌장의 명백한 위반으로서, 북한은 이에 대해 응분의 대가를 치러야 한다는 데 인식을 같이 하고, 한-미간 구체적인 대응방안을 심도 있게 협의하였습니다.

본인과 클린턴 장관은 북한의 잘못에 대해 국제사회가 이를 지적하고, 엄정하게 대응해 나가는 것이 북한이 올바른 방향으로 나가도록 돕는 길이 된다는 데에 대해 의견을 같이 하고, 이번 사건이 UN 등 국제무대에서 심도 있게 논의되어 적절한 대응이 이루어질 수 있도록 긴밀히 협조해 나가기로 하였습니다.

한편, 본인과 클린턴 장관은 6월 하순에 개최될 한-미 정상회담과 7월 말로 예정된 외교국방장관 합동회의를 통해서, 한-미 양국이 전략동맹의 성공적 발전을 평가하고, 연합방위내용을 중심으로 안보태세를 더욱 공고히 하는 한편, 동맹비전의 충실한 이행을 통해, 앞으로 지역 범세계적 차원의 협력을 더욱 강화하는 뜻 깊고 내실 있는 협의가 이루어지도록 긴밀히 협조해 나가기로 하였습니다.

또한 본인과 클린턴 장관은 오는 11월 한국에서 개최되는 G20 정상회의와 2012년 핵안보정상회의의 성공적 개최를 위해 적극 협력해 나가기로 하였으며, 이와 함께 한-미 FTA가 양국관계 전반을 한 단계 격상시키는 계기가 될 것이라는 데 공감하고, 조속한 비준을 위해 함께 노력해 나가기로 하였습니다.

끝으로, 금번 클린턴 국무장관의 방한은 앞으로 천안함 사건에 대처하는 데 있어 한-미 양국이 확고한 입장을 확인하고, 한-미 전략동맹을 더욱 강화해 나가는 계기가 될 것이라는 데 의견을 같이 하였습니다. 감사합니다. 


(클린턴 장관)

Thank you very much, Minister Yu. And it is wonderful to be back here in Seoul today on such a beautiful day to express our strong solidarity and support for the people of Korea. You know, South Korea is a staunch ally, a friend and a partner. And I want to thank President Lee for his hospitality and the very important discussions that we had today. The fortunes of our two nations have been bound together for many decades. We have stood watchful guard together for sixty years, vigilant in the cause of peace and stability on the Korean peninsula and in the wider region. And for the United States, the security and sovereignty of South Korea is a solemn responsibility, and a rock-solid commitment. Our alliance is a source of strength and confidence, confidence that our two peoples will continue to enjoy security, prosperity and shared progress in the days and years ahead. But this relationship extends far beyond our security guarantees. The United States has been a partner to the people of South Korea as they embraced democracy and embarked on a historic economic transformation. Our people trade and study together. Generations of American service members have come to know and respect the Korean culture. And Korean-Americans have contributed significantly to the economic, social and cultural life of the United States. Under President Lee’s vision of Global Korea, the ROK has accelerated its progress as a confident and respected player on the world stage. South Korea is a valued partner on regional and global challenges, including its contributions in Afghanistan and its efforts to combat piracy, among many others. And we are very pleased that Seoul will host the G20 later this year and the 2nd Nuclear Security Summit in 2012. When President Obama and President Lee first met last year, they committed to a joint vision statement for our alliance in the 21st century. That speaks to our desire to turn our bilateral relationship into a truly global partnership. And in our meetings today, we discussed how we can continue building upon this vision and further strengthen the ties between our peoples and our nations. But, to seize the opportunities of tomorrow, we must first meet the challenges of today. As President Lee said in his strong and dignified speech to the nation, we cannot turn a blind eye to belligerence and provocation. Let me repeat publicly what I expressed privately to President Lee and Minister Yu. The United States offers our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the 46 sailors killed in the sinking of the Cheonan and to all the people of South Korea. We will stand with you in this difficult hour and we stand with you always. I applaud President Lee and his government for the firm, patient and deliberate way that they pursued the truth and then formulated a response. The international, independent investigation was objective, the evidence overwhelming, the conclusion inescapable. This was unacceptable provocation by North Korea, and the international community has a responsibility and a duty to respond. The measures that President Lee announced in his speech are prudent. They are absolutely appropriate, and they have the full support of the United States. Over the last week, I have consulted with leaders in Japan and China, and we have stayed in close contact with our friends here in Seoul about the best way forward. We will be working together to chart a course of action in the United Nations Security Council, and I want to acknowledge Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s strong statement on this issue. The US and South Korean militaries have announced plans for joint exercises, and we will explore further enhancements to our posture on the peninsula to ensure readiness and to deter future attacks. The United States is also reviewing additional options and authorities to hold North Korea and its leaders accountable. We call on North Korea to halt its provocations and its policy of threats and belligerence toward its neighbors, and take steps now to fulfill its denuclearization commitments and comply with international law. North Korea can still choose another path. Instead of isolation, poverty, conflict and condemnation, North Korea could enjoy integration, prosperity, peace and respect. Its people could finely experience a better life. We know this is possible. Here in South Korea, we see it every day. The talent and creativity of the Korean people flourishing in a vibrant democracy. North Korea’s future depends on the choices that its leaders make today. For our part, we remain resolute in our defense of South Korea, unyielding in our pursuit of justice, and determined to achieve security and stability across the Asia-Pacific region. The alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea will continue to be a cornerstone of peace and prosperity for both our nations. So, thank you again, Minister Yu, for your hospitality and your friendship. I look forward to continuing our consultations in the days and weeks to come. Thank you.


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