NEBRASKA /A.P. NEWS
NELSON NOT CONVINCED SOUTH KOREA WILL LIVE UP TO BEEF IMPORT AGREEMENT (with audio)
By John Axtell
May 7, 2008 - 7:52:42 PM

Nebraska Democratic Senator Ben Nelson says the latest comments from the president of South Korea shows why he was skeptical of pledges made by Korean leaders two weeks ago about a new agreement to ease restrictions on U-S beef.

       Under the agreement, South Korea promised to not halt imports unless the World Organization for Animal Health downgrades its safety rating for American cattle, but  President Lee Myung-bak now says his nation will immediately halt U.S. beef imports if they endanger public health.

	

	Nelson says South Korea has consistently over-reacted and unfairly restricted American beef...regardless of pledges or agreements...and that's why he didn't get too excited with last month's agreement and its promise of restraint.

	

	South Korea suspended U-S beef imports in 2003 after mad cow disease was discovered in a single cow in the U-S, resumed them on a limited basis a year ago, but suspended them again in October when a shipment arrived containing banned parts.

	

	The new import agreement...intended to reduce farm state opposition to a proposed free trade agreement with Korea...takes affect later this month, but thousands of South Koreans have staged candlelight vigils calling on the government not to restart imports.

	

	Nelson's afraid it's setting the stage for the Korean government to again unfairly target the U-S beef market with trumped-up safety claims.

	

	Nelson has steadfastly said he will not vote for a South Korean free trade agreement that doesn't has firm provisions protecting U-S beef imports.