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World leaders are congratulating President Roh Moo-hyun on his return to office.
The Japanese Prime Minister phoned Mr. Roh Friday evening and talked about a host of bilateral concerns.Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Yoo Tae-young said President Roh thanked the Japanese leader for calling and expressed hopes that Mr. Koizumi's visit to North Korea slated for May 22nd would help advance key issues towards boosting peace and security of Northeast Asia.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair sent a congratulatory message in which he stressed that the two must now get down to work to make progress on a number of pending issues. China's President Hu Jintao also sent his congratulatory words through the Chinese Embassy here in Seoul. In the letter, Mr. Hu said he has high hopes that President Roh will strive to resolve North Korea's nuclear issue and pursue political stability and economic development.
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President Roh Moo-hyun shakes hands with his cabinet ministers after issuing a live broadcasted statement at the Cheong Wa Dae on Saturday./Yonhap
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The foreign business community also welcomed President Roh Moo-hyun¡¯s return to power; by saying the ruling sent the right message to investors and spells promise that Korea is heading towards a more mature democracy.
A majority of the foreign community in Korea acknowledged the Constitutional Court's ruling of reinstating President Roh Moo-hyun as the right decision.
"I think the outcome is the rational and sensible one. In fact, the original impeachment by the National Assembly was one of the biggest examples of political foolishness that I've seen here. I would've been completely shocked if he hadn't been reinstated. Even if the Uri Party didn't do well."
Some even say the last two months have put the country's democracy on a stronger footing.
"For most observers it's an encouraging sign that the whole process was carried out constitutionally and according to the rule of law and we've come through a constitutional court ruling. And there has not been great unrest or instability and I think that shows the maturity of Korean democracy."
Foreigners point out that the justices' decision to overrule the impeachment ends a period of political limbo in the country by paving the way for a more predictable scene.
As for the economy the move is expected to induce both foreign and domestic investments, which have been put on hold.
On the other hand, some feel that the domestic political issues do not have as big an impact on foreign investment as some may think, as investors understand the tumultuous nature of Korean politics.
Despite the many scenarios on President Roh Moo-hyun's comeback, the foreign community in Korea generally agree that Korea must now step beyond this chapter in its political history and address the more pressing issues at hand; such as economic recovery and the continued standoff over North Korea's nuclear weapons drive.
Arirang TV
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