SKorean MPs start probe into controversial US beef pact

AFP, July, 2008

SEOUL (AFP) — South Korea's parliament Monday opened an inquiry into a US beef import agreement which sparked weeks of mass protests, with the ruling and opposition parties sparring over its scope.

The probe will refocus attention on the controversial deal which rocked the Seoul government just as street protests are finally dying down.

South Korea suspended US beef imports in 2003 after a US mad cow case. In April it reached a deal with Washington to resume them in hopes of paving the way for a wider free trade agreement.

Critics said the government rushed into the deal to please Washington and ignored the supposed dangers of mad cow disease.

Weeks of sometimes violent mass protests ensued, fuelled by online rumours, making much of Seoul's city centre a night-time no-go zone.

Seoul had to send negotiators to Washington to obtain extra health safeguards and the ...