Speaker to Invoke Authority to Settle Disputed Bills

National Assembly Speaker Kim Hyong-o yesterday said he will invoke his authority to introduce disputed bills to a parliamentary plenary session.

In his first mention of his right with three days left before the extra parliamentary session ends, Kim told The Dong-A Ilbo over the phone, “If rival parties fail to compromise, I have no choice but to exert my authority to present pending bills to the Assembly Monday.”

“Rival parties should stay up all night to reach an agreement.”

On media bills, Kim said, “The main opposition Democratic Party opposes the bills to show the public its unyielding spirit. And the ruling Grand National Party seeks to eliminate what will cause disputes (through discussions with opposition parties).”

“It’s embarrassing to see them keep failing to compromise, though they are fully aware of what failure will bring.”

Experts say Kim’s comment indicates he will invoke his authority to settle media bills.

Ruling party chief Park Hee-tae and Democratic Party Chairman Chung Sye-kyun held talks at the National Assembly yesterday, but stopped short of narrowing their differences.

koh@donga.com jin0619@donga.com