Pres. Lee Urges Partial Constitutional Amendment

President Lee Myung-bak yesterday expressed his intent to partially amend the Constitution, reform election laws, and rearrange administrative districts.

He said this at a luncheon with leading members of the ruling Grand National Party including Chairman Chung Mong-joon to mark the second anniversary of his administration.

“The remaining tasks are to reform election laws, rezone administrative districts, and revise the Constitution,” President Lee said. “In a way, (such tasks) are basic ones needed to advance the country’s politics.”

“These issues should be dealt with at the National Assembly led by the Grand National Party. If the party wants to be a ruling party again, it should act responsibly.”

He also urged intra-party harmony and unity, saying, “A saying goes that after a storm comes the calm. Opinions can differ according to issues and politics, but there is nothing politics cannot resolve if we put love for the country ahead of everything.”

koh@donga.com