S. Korea in dilemma over U.S. stalemate in FTA ratification

With skepticism spreading about the possibility of the U.S. government securing ratification of a free trade pact with South Korea this summer, South Korean officials expressed concern Wednesday over major diplomatic and political fallout at home.

The Lee Myung-bak administration has eagerly awaited the passage of the free trade agreement (FTA) bill before the U.S. Congress goes into recess on Aug. 6. Lee would like to make an official or state visit to Washington in September or October on the occasion of a signing ceremony.

Known for his efforts to strengthen the Seoul-Washington alliance, Lee hopes for such a symbolic event on what would be his last bilateral trip to the U.S. as South Korea's leader, according to presidential aides.

A later trip wouldn't work.

"It would be difficult for President Lee to arrange a trip to Washington in November and December, given a series of multilateral diplomatic events scheduled," a South Korean government official said, requesting anonymity.

A visit next year would be overshadowed by presidential races in both countries, he added

A delay in the U.S. ratification of the FTA also affects Lee's political strategy.

Should the U.S. ratify the FTA first, it would provide the Lee administration and his ruling Grand National Party (GNP) with ammunition in a battle with the main opposition Democratic Party (DP), which is calling for renegotiation of the FTA.

The GNP hopes to handle the FTA issue in the August session, while the DP demands measures to protect farmers and workers displaced by the free trade.

South Korean officials repeatedly have said it is important for the FTA to be approved in Congress by August.

The alternative is a "nightmare," a top-ranking official told correspondents here in a background briefing last month.

Still, there is no clear sign of progress in Obama's push for a package deal with congressional Republicans on the FTAs with South Korea, Colombia and Panama, all of which were inked several years ago.

Obama seems to be distracted by drawn-out debt ceiling talks.

His proposal to renew the Trade Adjustment Authority (TAA), aimed at helping workers, is a sticking point. He has coupled the TAA with the bill on the FTA with South Korea.

Republicans largely support the FTA itself but staunchly oppose the extension of the budget-gulping TAA program.

Speaking at a meeting of service businesses, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk gave no clear schedule or plan for getting the FTA ratified. He reiterated a commitment to do so "sooner rather than later."

Capitol Hill staffers and lobbyists are increasingly pessimistic.

On Tuesday, Obama's chief of staff, Bill Daley, also openly said he was unsure of the passage of the FTA by Aug. 5.

"I don't know if (they will) be approved by August, but we're moving forward on them," he told reporters. (Yonhap News)