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The U.S. Trade Representative on Wednesday said it was disappointing to see Korea temporarily delay the implementation of a beef import deal reached on April 18, but added it understands that the Korean government needs time to review public comments. The comments followed the Korean government¡¯s decision to delay promulgating sanitary rules for the beef imports amid massive protests.
In an interview with agricultural magazine "Farm Futures" USTR spokeswoman Gretchen Hamel said, "The Korean government received many more public comments than expected. We understand that the South Korean government will need to take more time to review these comments." She expressed hope that Korea will implement the agreement as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, U.S. National Cattlemen's Beef Association economist Gregg Doud said discussions with a team of Korean inspectors now in the U.S. ¡°went well and so this whole thing comes as quite a surprise."
In a statement, Max Baucus, the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, urged Korea to resume beef imports as early as possible, saying, "I respect Korea¡¯s political process but there¡¯s no legitimate reason to delay importation of U.S. beef any longer."
(englishnews@chosun.com )
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