President Roh Promises Full Cooperation in Transition

On December 28, President Roh Moo-hyun and President-elect Lee Myung-bak had a dinner meeting at Cheong Wa Dae and discussed state affairs, including issues arising in the transition of power.

The meeting between President Roh and President-elect Lee was made on the 9th day from election day.

President Roh and President-elect Lee exchanged opinions on overall state affairs, including ways to make a smooth transition of power, the North Korean nuclear issue, Northeast Asian affairs, the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement, and the oil leak in Taean, South Chungcheong Province.

President Roh elucidated his willingness to positively cooperate in the transition of power to President-elect Lee, and the latter promised to maintain security in the governmental community.

Chief presidential secretary for public information and Cheong Wa Dae spokesperson Cheon Ho-seon said that President Roh explained the current state of emergent or major policies to President-elect Lee and asked for cooperation.

Nothing, however, has been mentioned regarding the BBK special probe bill that President Roh signed two days ago.

From Cheong Wa Dae, presidential chief of staff Moon Jae-in and secretary Cheon attended the dinner meeting, and Yim Tae-hee, chief of staff of the president-elect, and Joo Ho-young, spokesman for the president-elect, accompanied President-elect Lee.

jin0619@donga.com