President wants political gridlock to end

"The medical fees have been much too low," President Kim Dae-Jung said on September 4. "For the medical reform to become firmly established, medical fees need to reflect the reality.¡±

President Kim spoke his mind in response to the suggestion by party executives during a dinner meeting at Chong Wa Dae with six leaders of the ruling Millenium Dmocratic Party leaders.

"For political normalization, the National Assembly first must be stabilized, and for the National Assembly to be stabilized, all the pending bills must be dealt with," the president said. "The problem has been arising because the very fundamental ABC`s of the National Assembly¡¯s responsibility have been avoided."

"I do not say so because our party, which is the second in the seats of the Assembly, secures the majority." Kim continued. "It is the right and the duty for a National Assembly representative to participate in the sessions. As such, there is a need to normalize the National Assembly as soon as possible, even tomorrow."

Yoon Young-Chan yyc11@donga.com