Amb. Lippert likely to leave hospital next week: State Department
WASHINGTON, March 6 (Yonhap) -- U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Mark Lippert, recovering from wounds from a knife attack, is in stable condition and is expected to leave the hospital as early as next week, the State Department said Friday.
"Ambassador Lippert is in stable condition and in spite of the serious injuries that he sustained, he is expected to stay in the hospital until Tuesday or Wednesday of next week. The ambassador is in good spirits," State Department deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf said.
She also said the ambassador is expected to return to the job as soon as he can.
"The president has spoken to Ambassador Lippert as have other senior officials as well. (South Korean) President Park (Geun-hye) spoke to him as well," Harf said.
On Thursday, a knife-wielding assailant slashed Lippert on the face and wrist at a breakfast function in central Seoul. The ambassador was taken to a hospital and received more than 80 stitches.
The 55-year-old attacker was immediately arrested. As he was hauled away, he shouted opposition to joint military exercises under way between South Korea and the U.S., something in line with North Korea's rhetoric.
Harf said Lippert had one full-time bodyguard assigned from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency at the time of the bloody attack, adding that Seoul is a "low-threat" environment and the U.S. ambassador is the only chief of mission in South Korea to have a Korean police officer assigned in official capacity.
Since the attack, several more police officers have been assigned to the ambassador, she said.
Harf also said the case won't have any negative effects on relations between the two countries.
"The alliance with South Korea is part of the cornerstone of our relationship in Asia. It's an incredibly important relationship. I think the fact that President Park and other senior officials have either called or going to visit Ambassador Lippert shows the strength and depth of our relationship," Harf said.
"That certainly won't change at all because of this event, this awful situation. Certainly, our relationship will continue as strongly as it ever has been going forward," she added.
jschang@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
'Queen of Tears' weaves rich tapestry of Korean contemporary art
-
Ateez member Yunho throws first pitch at MLB match between Dodgers, Mets
-
N. Korea says Kim guided simulated nuclear counterattack drills for 1st time
-
N. Korea calls envisioned U.S. aid to Ukraine 'hallucinogen'
-
N. Korea calls on party propaganda officials to work harder
-
'Queen of Tears' weaves rich tapestry of Korean contemporary art
-
Experts see possibility of N.K. conducting nuclear test before U.S. presidential vote
-
Details of meeting between Yoon, opposition leader undecided: presidential office
-
N. Korea says Kim guided simulated nuclear counterattack drills for 1st time
-
Looming weekly closure of major hospitals feared to worsen medical service crisis
-
S. Korea eliminated in Olympic football qualifiers as poor defense, undisciplined play prove costly
-
Indonesia coach left with mixed feelings after eliminating native S. Korea in Olympic football qualifiers
-
(LEAD) 10-man S. Korea lose to Indonesia to miss out on Paris Olympic football qualification
-
ADOR CEO calls conflict with Hybe 'worst experience of my life'
-
S. Korea to acquire SM-3 shipborne missiles by 2030