Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE= 12/19/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH / SOUTH KOREA (S ONLY)

NUMBER=2-297626

BYLINE=SCOTT STEARNS

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

INTRO: President Bush has congratulated South Korea's new president-elect Roh Moo-hyun. V-O-A's Scott Stearns reports, the White House says it supports Mr. Roh's move to improve relations with North Korea.

TEXT: White House spokesman Ari Fleischer says President Bush warmly congratulates Mr. Roh on winning Thursday's election.

/// FLEISCHER ACT ///

The people of South Korea have once again demonstrated the enduring vitality and dynamism of democracy in their country. South Korea is a close friend and ally of the United States and the president looks forward to working closely with president-elect Roh as the United States and the Republic of Korea address the many challenges and opportunities that we face together.

/// END ACT ///

The vote took place amid a surge of anti-American sentiment which was fueled by the recent acquittals of two U-S soldiers whose armored vehicle accidentally hit and killed two South Korean girls last June.

Mr. Roh wants more South Korean jurisdiction over the 37-thousand U-S troops in the country. The former human rights lawyer also wants closer ties with North Korea.

Mr. Fleischer says President Bush supports improved relations between the two Koreas even as he is working with China, Russia, and Japan on a common approach to convince North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons program. (SIGNED)

NEB/KBK