Special Parliamentary Session Not Open for January

The National Assembly has decided to activate standing committees in January as there was criticism of a “shielded National Assembly” on matters under consideration instead of holding a special parliamentary session. Grand National Party (GNP) floor leader Hong Sa-duk, Millennium Democratic Party (MDP) floor leader Yu Yong-tae, and United Liberal Party floor leader Kim Hak-won contacted by phone and agreed to this decision yesterday.

Floor leader Hong said through a phone call with a reporter, “MDP had opposed to holding a special parliamentary session, so there will be none in January. Instead, sessions for a united diplomatic commerce, national defense and legislation will be held to discuss matters under consideration.” He also said, “Each of these standing sessions will have government officials attending, and the government’s position and countermeasures on President Roh’s election campaign, North Korea’s nukes, investigation into the officials of Cheong Wa Dae’s diplomatic department, and the unfair investigation of prosecutors will be discussed. A definite schedule is being discussed by the vice-leaders of each party.”

Min-Hyuk Park mhpark@donga.com