"Dispute over US beef roils visit; South Koreans question Rice on safety of imports" by Matthew Lee, Associated Press | June 29, 2008
SEOUL - America's chief diplomat found herself vouching for the purity of US cattle yesterday during a visit to South Korea.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice waded into a bitter trade dispute that for South Koreans has eclipsed the long-running drama over North Korea's nuclear activity and threatened the government of President Lee Myung-bak.
Rice faced a barrage of questions about the safety of American steaks, chops, and burgers. She had told reporters that she hoped the issue would not distract from other matters.
"I want to assure everyone that American beef is safe," she said at a briefing with South Korea's foreign minister, Yu Myung-hwan. "We will continue to work with you to have consumer confidence in that matter. We want there to be consumer confidence in American beef."
For many South Koreans, who have lived with threats from their neighbor for five decades, the nuclear issue is of less concern than is Seoul's agreement to lift a ban on American beef imports in April.
Activists have staged daily rallies on the streets of the capital to voice fears about possible health risks such as mad cow disease. As officials began inspecting US beef on Friday before it can reach markets, hundreds of labor activists blocked customs storage facilities.
Amazing how the AmeriKan MSM keeps those protest quiet, hmmm?
And what do they mean "possible" health risks?
Tell that to the PEOPLE in BRITAIN that DIED!!!!
A small but loud and angry group of about 15 sign-carrying demonstrators gathered outside the South Korean Foreign Ministry, where Rice met with Yu.
Yup, if you can't make the protesters disappear and are forced to cover them, then MINIMIZE and DISPARAGE them!!!
Unless, of course, they are SERVING the AGENDAS of the MSM, then, well...
"Rice go home," they chanted. Placards read, "Stop Rice and Mad Cow," and "We Don't Need US Troops. We Don't Need Mad Cows."
Police estimated that 13,000 people joined the latest candlelight rally over the issue. Demonstrators occupied a thoroughfare near city hall, and a barricade of police buses blocked them from marching toward the presidential office.
Earlier rallies drew 80,000 people at their peak, but have since dwindled.
There they go again!
Still, 13,000 people is a lot more than some of the shit protests they focus on, so pffffftttt, MSM!
US beef was banned in South Korea for most of the past 4 1/2 years, since the first case of mad cow disease in the United States was discovered in late 2003.
Rice was scheduled to travel next to China, where negotiators will resume six-party talks on North Korea's nuclear disarmament this week. Rice also planned to visit the earthquake-devastated region in China today.
There to see the HAARP HANDIWORK first-hand, 'eh?
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