Confirmation of P.M. Nominee Han Delayed

The confirmation of Prime Minister-designate Han Seung-soo ran into a snag yesterday at the National Assembly, when the liberal United Democratic Party failed to reach an internal consensus on his nomination.

A plenary meeting scheduled for 2 p.m. on Han’s appointment was canceled after the party failed to adopt an official stance on the matter.

Though the party held a general meeting of its lawmakers at 1:30 p.m., it fell short of reaching a consensus on his appointment.

Several lawmakers proposed that individuals make the final decision themselves as suggested by party leaders. Nevertheless, they failed to reach a conclusion because certain members took a hard-line stance in urging a unanimous vote against Han or postponing the vote. Others insisted on a compromise.

Instead, the party handled some 140 bills on public life at the plenary session and drew up its platform at another general meeting in the evening.

koh@donga.com jameshuh@donga.com