`Seoul Must Take Lead in Global Matters, N. Korean Issues`

President Lee Myung-bak yesterday said the country should take the lead in resolving global issues as well as those involving North Korea.

At a news conference on South Korea’s hosting of the Group of 20 summit next year, he said, “The successful bid for hosting the G20 summit points to the rise in (South) Korea’s global standing. We should now break from shortsighted ideas and take a global approach.”

“The grand bargain proposal I suggested in the U.S. as a package settlement for the North’s nuclear program is part of such efforts.”

He added, “North Korea’s nuclear ambition affects countries around the world, including the U.S. and China. Though it’s also an issue between Seoul and Pyongyang, we’ve lacked our own voice in simply following proposals from Washington and Beijing.”

“I discussed the grand bargain with U.S. President Barack Obama and got the understanding of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in advance. We also seek consent from China and Japan. If a proposal is in our interests, we need to persuade members of the six-party talks.”

On an amendment to the Constitution, President Lee said, “I’ve never directly mentioned the necessity of a constitutional amendment. If politicians begin discussion on the matter, I’ll embrace it with an open mind.”

Turning to the proposed reform of the national election system and rezoning of administrative districts, he urged swift discussion on the matter by politicians. “An agreement should be made by political circles in principle. This is one way to raise national dignity and the fastest method of communicating with the people,” he said.

yongari@donga.com