Opposition returns to Assembly floor unconditionally

The operation of the National Assembly, which was disrupted a week ago by the ruling party's blocking of an opposition-proposed bill to impeach two top prosecutors, is soon to be normalized as Grand National Party (GNP) leader Lee Hoi-Chang declared Friday that his party would return unconditionally to the legislative floor.

Floor leaders of the ruling Millennium Democratic Party (MDP) and the GNP met at the National Assembly to agree on a joint action Nov. 30 for the approval of the infusion of the second batch of public funds for the rescue of troubled banks and businesses and a plan for a parliamentary examination to ensure the proper use of the funds. They also agreed to pass the government budget for next year and other bills in plenary house sittings Dec. 8 and 9 when the current regular session comes to a close.

Another accord reached between the two party whips concerned a special bill to be adopted for the reprieve of debts of the farming and fishing communities. Earlier, GNP president Lee stated at a press conference at party headquarters that the need to take care of the suffering country and people is greater than the need to struggle against the errors of the present government. This led him to call for the immediate and unconditional resumption of the National Assembly, he added.

Lee blamed President Kim for his lack of efforts to address the current tense situation, in which farmers and workers are demanding their right to survival in the midst of falling stock prices and the declining value of the won against foreign currencies. The whole society is gripped by a sense of crisis and feels that the nation may go down the drain if state affairs are left in the hands of this incompetent and irresponsible government, he claimed. Therefore, he continued, the opposition party is determined to play a central role in improving the faltering economy and livelihood of the people and will reestablish dissipating morals and justice. Lee stressed the GNP¡¯s commitment to fulfill its role as the majority party in the interests of the people rather than dealing with the incumbent government that has abandoned its statecraft.

In addition, Lee said he will ensure that the second public fund package is spent at the right time and place as required. Consent for the funds should be given after calling the administration party to task for their proper and effective use and a special law for the management of the funds must also be approved, he said.