Summit Meeting Productive

President Kim Dae Jung and Lee Hoi Chang, leader of the Grand National Party (GNP), reached an agreement on six items, on March 17, including the rapid settlement of laws for political reforms.
During the 2 hours 45 minutes of the summit meeting, President Kim and Lee agreeed that the artificial political restructuring should not be made, presidential spokesman Park Ji Won said.
Both also agreed to compete for more productive policy-making hereafter, respecting each other as partners in state affairs.
After the meeting, President Kim stated, 'we discussed various issues including individual interests and Mr.Lee looked very contented.'
President Kim promised that he will never punish politicians for political retaliation.
Lee reportedly stated that the GNP is willing to cooperate with the government over public welfare affairs such as unemployment.
However, he criticized the excessive interference by governmental officials on the 'big deals', or the swapping of companies among Korean conglomerates.

Jangsoo Seo; jsbee@joongang.co.kr