Roh, “Saemangeum Project Should Be Resumed As Early As Possible”

President Roh Moo-hyun instructed Friday his top aides to come up with ways of resuming the Saemangeum reclamation project that has been suspended following a court decision. During his meeting with presidential aides, Roh called for necessary steps to be taken to resume the project as early as possible, stressing the need to modify the project that should pay more attention to environmental concerns and economic efficiency.

Presidential spokesman Yoon Tae-young quoted the president as ordering his chief of staff Moon Hee-sang who presided over the Friday meeting, “The massive Saemangeum project should be fully revised in a way that can satisfy expectations and hopes of the residents in North Jeolla Province (where Saemangeum is located.)”

The president also added, “Construction of seawalls should be carefully carried out to fend off possible accidents caused by natural disasters such as typhoons. Related ministries should prepare for a further discussion on the matter at the cabinet meeting to be held on July 22,” the spokesman quoted.

Yoon said, “The president once mentioned that new lands from the massive reclamation project can be better used than rice farming. At this point, the court is delivering the project under the initial plan for using reclaimed lands for farming. Therefore, the president`s instruction should be interpreted that he wants the court to take a revised reclamation project into account when it makes a final decision.” Spokesman Yoon added, “When a new blue print for the Saemangeum is finalized, the court will be asked to review the new plan to make its final ruling.”

Jeong-Hun Kim jnghn@donga.com