Seoul mayor urges Trump to leave message of peace

By Lim Chang-won Posted : November 7, 2017, 09:46 Updated : November 7, 2017, 09:46

[AP/Yonhap News Photo]


The mayor of Seoul urged U.S. President Donald Trump to leave a message of peace during his visit to South Korea, saying its people have safeguarded the world's "most dangerous" border.

Seoul, which is only 40 kilometers (25 miles) away from the heavily armed border, is home to ten million citizens, with children going to school and adults going to work "even in a touch-and-go situation", Mayor Park Won-soon said in his Facebook post.

"Remember. Now Seoul is not a city of war, but a city of peace. Peace in the past 67 years has been created by the courage and sincerity that every citizen has accumulated every moment," said Park, a social justice and human rights advocate who served as mayor from 2011.

Trump's visit should provide an opportunity to consolidate peace on the Korean peninsula and develop a sustainable alliance between Seoul and Washington, the mayor said, adding South Koreans have "safeguarded the most dangerous border in the world".

"The alliance is based on values of democracy, human rights, and peace. Keeping that value is a prerequisite for strengthening the alliance. Instead of a message of war, please leave a message of peace."

Park's call came amid tight security in central Seoul after a court allowed civic groups to hold anti-Trump rallies and a candle-lit march near the office of President Moon Jae-in on Tuesday. Conservative groups have pledged pro-U.S. rallies.

Police said more than 10,000 personnel would be mobilized for the security of Trump, who is to hold a summit with Moon, make a speech in South Korea's parliament and meet with U.S. and South Korean service members at Camp Humphreys, a U.S. base south of Seoul.

Before coming to Seoul, Trump tweeted, "Getting ready to leave for South Korea and meetings with President Moon, a fine gentleman. We will figure it all out!"

In Tokyo, Trump called North Korea's nuclear program a "threat" to the world, saying the "era of strategic patience is over". On his way to Tokyo, Trump said Washington is considering relisting Pyongyang as a state sponsor of terrorism.

 
기사 이미지 확대 보기
닫기