President Kim to Discuss Appointment of New Prime Minister with ULD

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President Kim to Discuss Appointment of New Prime Minister with ULD

President Kim Dae-jung accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Park Tae-joon's on Friday. Park handed in his resignation after bowing to the public's rising negative reaction to his alleged attempts to evade taxes by hiding his property under the name of a third person.

Commenting on the appointment of his successor, a presidential aide said, "President Kim will decide on a name that will help with his attempts to restore the so-called 'DJP' coalition with honorary chairman of the United Liberal Democrats Kim Jong-pil (JP)."

In an effort to form a re-alignment with the ruling party's former coalition partner, the ULD, President Kim also decided to follow the precedent of having the premier's post be appointed by the ULD. Accordingly, potential candidates being discussed to replace the disgraced outgoing Prime Minister reportedly include the ULD leader Lee Han-dong, and Kim Yong-hwan, chairman of the minority opposition New Korea Party for Hope who recently mended ties with Kim Jong-pil. Kim Joong-kwon, former chief secretary to President Kim is also being discussed as a candidate.

President Kim will reportedly send Chong Wa Dae Chief of Staff Han Kwang-ok to JP in the near future to explain the current situation and discuss the appointment of a new prime minister.

The presidential aide went on to explain that, "Even if JP continues to reject President Kim's overtures for a reconciliation meeting, President Kim will appoint the new prime minister by taking into consideration Kim Jong-pil's position as a potential coalition partner."

President Kim is also reportedly considering enacting a new law that would require a parliamentary hearing for approval of those appointed to top-level public posts as a significant variable in the appointment.

Another official commented, "President Kim respects the Prime Minister's right to recommend candidates for cabinet ministers." Accordingly, there would be no cabinet reshuffle before the 16th National Assembly begins its session, which is expected to open after the inter-Korean summit talks.

After announcing President Kim's acceptance of Prime Minister Park's resignation Friday morning, Chong Wa Dae spokesman Park Joong-young stated, "His successor will be appointed early next week. Until then, Finance and Economy Minister Lee Hun-jai will be the acting Prime Minister in accordance with the law."

Prime Minister Park visited President Kim at Chong Wa Dae at 9:20 a.m., and indicated his intention to resign after explaining the circumstances of the controversy surrounding his real estate property.

President Kim comforted Park and also expressed gratitude for his work, particularly his efforts to overcome the nation's financial crisis and to reform the economy.




by Kim Jin-kook

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