President Roh: “GNP Fosters Neo-Regionalism”

President Roh criticized his opposition on July 12, saying, “The Grand National Party’s attempt to make the relocation bill of the new administrative capital, which was made in the National Assembly last year, invalid is a very dangerous act that shakes the foundation of the National Assembly and democratic administration.”

Kim Jong-min, spokesperson of Cheong Wa Dae, reported that President Roh said in a meeting with his chief secretary and aide that “it wasn’t a mistake for the GNP that they had passed the bill to relocate the administrative capital, but that trying to make it invalid was a mistake.”

President Roh also said, “It seems like that under the GNP’s attempt to make the bill invalid is their rebellious intention to foster neo-regionalism. To fight against unjust political maneuvering, it’s best to respond in a determined manner, based on principles.”

However, President Roh admitted that publicizing process was not sufficient, and said, “Although there were a lot of public hearings held, the non-active manner of the press and the opposition party made publicizing process seem inadequate. The whole government should persuade the people with the necessity and the appropriateness of the relocation policy.”

Jung-Hun Kim jnghn@donga.com