Obama says he will pay tribute to victims of South Korean ferry disaster in visit next week

Pres. Barack Obama (Shutterstock photo)

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama is sending condolences to victims of a South Korean ferry disaster and says he will pay tribute during a visit to the country next week.

Obama said at a White House news conference Thursday that the United States has an “unwavering commitment” to its ally South Korea in good times and bad. He says he will underscore that when he is in the country for a previously planned trip.

He says U.S. Navy personnel are at the site where the ferry sank off South Korea’s southern coast. He sent condolences to the entire country, especially families of the 20 killed Wednesday.