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| U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Harry Harris. / Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul |
By Jung Min-ho
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"Most demonstrators across the United States today are formed in peaceful protests against racism, bigotry and hatred. I stand with them. I share the conviction that those beliefs have no place in our society," Harris said on Facebook Friday.
"To be clear, however, I do not stand with those who use peaceful protest as a cover for vandalism, mayhem, and wanton destruction.
"And to those voices ― and there are some, already ― who take perverse pleasure in what is happening in America today ... to them I say we'll emerge a better country and a stronger democracy ... and we won't forget."
Harris said he was deeply troubled about the events surrounding the brutal killing of George Floyd, 46, who died on May 25 after being pinned face down to the ground by a white police officer in Minneapolis.
"As an Asian American who was reared in the segregated South of the 1960s, I never thought I would see this happening again, especially in the 21st Century," Harris said.
"I believe that diversity is strength, not a weakness. I believe that America, like all of us, is resilient."
On the same day, Korean activists from religious groups and human rights organizations held a rally near the mission building in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Speaking of the activists, Harris said: "I disagree w/these protestors but respect their right to peacefully protest here in democratic ROK. Way cool-Americans & Koreans will rally VIRTUALLY on Saturday. USA will investigate fully & transparently George Floyd's killing. Shared these thoughts w/Embassy Team last Tuesday."
But he did specify what he meant by he disagrees with them.
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