S. Korea Leader Gives America Beef Ultimatum
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
SEOUL, South Korea — President Lee of South Korea pledged to keep American beef out of South Korea unless Washington agrees to ban meat from older cattle, seeking yesterday to defuse a political crisis sparked by health concerns that has derailed his plan to boost American ties and reinvigorate the economy.
In a nationally televised address, Mr. Lee said he will “ensure that the U.S. beef older than 30 months will not be put on our dinner tables as long as the people do not want it.” Cattle younger than 30 months are considered less at risk for mad cow disease.
The South Korean leader said he had told President Bush during a phone call earlier this month that South Korea “would not be able to import U.S. beef” if its demands were not accepted.
Protests prompted by fears of mad cow disease in American beef grew into broader opposition to Mr. Lee’s policy agenda, and paralyzed his government, as critics blasted him for failing to heed public opinion and accused him of pandering to American interests.
