Park, Obama agree on NK

U.S. President Barack Obama

President-elect Park Geun-hye and U.S. President Barrack Obama agreed to take measures to ease tension in the wake of North Korea’s launch of a long-range rocket, according to the ruling Saenuri Party, Friday.

They also agreed to meet at an early date to discuss the issue, the party said in a press release following the first telephone conversation between Park and Obama.

The agreement came amid rising concern in the region over the Stalinist state’s long-range rocket launch _ seen as a ballistic missile test banned by the U.N. Security Council.

A number of U.S. military experts said the rocket was capable of reaching the continental U.S. The liftoff also raised worries on the country’s military intelligence as it failed to predict the Dec. 12 launch date and only detected it after the rocket passed over the West Sea.

Park and Obama concurred on the need to closely work for the continuation of the alliance between two countries.

According to the Saenuri Party statement, Obama stressed that the alliance was stronger than ever and contributes to the promotion of peace and security in North East Asia and the rest of the world.

Park also echoed this view.

“I’m so happy to work with President Obama for most of my presidential term over the next five years.” She said. “I hope to maintain a close relationship with him to enhance the South Korea-U.S. alliance.”

The telephone conversation in the morning was set up by Obama to deliver a congratulatory message to Park. The President-elect also congratulated the U.S. President, in return, for winning a second term in November.

“The dialogue took place in a friendly atmosphere and that gives a positive sign for the relationship between them as well as the two nations,” said Yun Byung-se who was present when the conversation took place. Yun is a key advisor to Park on foreign affairs and North Korea related issues.

Yun added Park and Obama agreed that during their forthcoming summit they will discuss weapons of mass destruction including nuclear arms, the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement, and preservation of the environment.

Park expressed her “deepest condolences” to Obama regarding the school shooting incident in Connecticut that left 26 people, including 20 primary school children, dead.

The telephone conversation took place a day after one between the President-elect and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The female chancellor congratulated Park in becoming Northeast Asia’s first woman president. <The Korea Times/Yi Whan-woo>