US expresses ‘relief’ after South Korean President lifts martial law
Date
12/4/2024 7:32:39 AM
(MENAFN) The United States expressed "relief" on Tuesday after South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol reversed his controversial declaration of emergency martial law. A spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council (NSC) stated that they were relieved to see President Yoon respect the South Korean National Assembly’s vote to end the martial law. This reversal came after significant concern from both domestic and international sources regarding the implications of such a decision.
Despite the lifting of martial law, the U.S. embassy in Seoul issued an alert noting that the situation in South Korea remains "fluid." The embassy advised U.S. nationals in South Korea to avoid areas with demonstrations, emphasizing the ongoing instability despite the government’s reversal of the martial law order. Additionally, the embassy announced the cancellation of routine consular appointments, including those for U.S. citizens and visa applicants, as a precautionary measure.
President Yoon declared the emergency martial law on Tuesday night, citing the need to eliminate anti-state elements and protect the constitutional order. This declaration was the first of its kind since South Korea transitioned from military dictatorship in the late 1980s, which made it a particularly significant and alarming move.
However, the decision was swiftly overturned after the South Korean parliament, during an urgent cabinet meeting, voted against the martial law. This quick political response highlighted the tension between the executive and legislative branches, with parliament exerting its authority to reverse the controversial move.
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