Government Will Pursue Its Policy If Dialogue Fails

Regarding protests against establishing a radioactive waste disposal facility on Wido, an island off Buan county, North Jeolla province, President Roh Moo-hyun said that the government would seek dialogue with Wido residents, at a presidential senior secretaries and aides meeting. However, he added that if they resort to extreme actions and does not come to the table, the government would pursue the government`s policy as scheduled.

At the meeting, the president ordered firm and strong reaction to violent, physical acts, according to laws and principles, Choeng Wa Dae vice-spokesman Kim Man-soo said.

Regarding Roh`s remarks "pursue the government`s policy as scheduled," the vice-spokesman explained it means that the government will push ahead with the construction plan, step by step, because Wido was designated as the site for a radioactive waste repository.

Jeong-Hun Kim jnghn@donga.com