US beef 'safe', Rice tells SKorea
Updated
The US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, has been forced to defend the safety of American beef during talks with South Korea.
It comes in the face of widespread protests in South Korea over fears of mad-cow disease.
Seoul suspended US beef imports in 2003 but lifted the ban this week allowing shipments of meat from young US cattle.
Dr Rice says the fears are unfounded.
"We are cooperating closely and will continue to closely cooperate on the concerns of the Korean population about beef," she said.
"I want to assure everyone that American beef is safe."
Dr Rice is now in south-west China visiting earthquake affected areas.
She will then travel to Beijing for talks with the Chinese Foreign Minister, Yang Jiechi.
