Quotations of the day

National Assembly speaker is not aligned with either the ruling or opposition parties. He should deal with legislative affairs in accordance with his own convictions and principles. But I invited misunderstandings from both sides. (Assembly Speaker Lee Man-Sup, on Friday, recollecting the paralysis and turbulence that have marked his term.)

A merger of the two parties at this juncture is not realistic, and if their coalition is restored, there will be no such a necessity. (Kim Joong-Kwon, chairman of the ruling Millennium Democratic Party (MDP), on Friday, revealing that he had reached an agreement with Kim Jong-Pil, honorary chairman of the United Liberal Democrats, to restore the ruling coalition.)

Full-fledged operations should be launched to breed frogs, eels and turtles. (Rodong Shinmun of North Korea, in a recent edition, announcing the ruling Workers' Party policy direction for improving the people's dietary lives.)

I will take care of economic and North Korean affairs, you will manage political affairs. (A close aide to the MDP chairman, on Friday, disclosing President Kim's remarks to the MDP chairman in connection with the operation of state affairs. The move was apparently a gesture to throw weight behind the chairman in his efforts to lead the party.)