Give Consideration to GNP Lawmakers` Joining New Cabinet

President-elect Roh Moo-hyun is reported to consider including the lawmakers of the opposition Grand National Party (GNP), which controls a majority of the National Assembly seats, in his new cabinet, whether it will come true is being watched with keen interest. If opposition party lawmakers join the new cabinet, it will be the first in Korea`s modern political history.

In an interview with PBS broadcasting network, Shin Gye-ryun, special advisor to president-elect for personnel affairs, said, "It is necessary to consult and cooperate with the opposition party before general elections [next year]. We already reviewed the idea of including GNP members and exchanged opinions on this matter."

However, he added, "[If we bring the GNP figures] without due process, they could take a jaundiced eye of it, so it should be done carefully. We are restraining ourselves from speaking about it because it could be regarded as attempts to entice GNP lawmakers." In this context, he was careful even on the possibility of Rep. Kim Hong-sin of the GNP joining the new cabinet as minister of Health and Welfare and he added that it is a very delicate matter, so the cooperation of the GNP is very required.

Regarding whether to replace the current head of the nation`s intelligence agency, Mr. Shin said, "During the campaign period, the president-elect showed his position to strengthen the National Intelligence Service (NIS)`s operations abroad and many figures have been under consideration as head of the NIS. It is usual that a new figure will be appointed as the nation`s intelligence chief in principle, but that is not necessarily always right. And there is no plan to organization a new cabinet by a specific date.

Meanwhile, Ra Jong-il, Korean ambassador to the U.K., who also served with the NIS before, returned home on Feb. 10 to have a meeting with the president-elect, and he is reported to meet Mr. Roh again on Feb. 17. People are paying attention to whether he will be appointed as head of the NIS or not.

Seung-Heon Lee ddr@donga.com