Roh revives broken prior pledges to give up a retreat

Cheongnamdae, the presidential retreat located in Cheongwon, North Chungcheong province, is expected to be opened to the public soon.
An official at the Blue House said yesterday, “President Roh Moo-hyun said at the presidential staff meeting that he will give the presidential villa to the people and no longer use the estate. The president ordered the political affairs secretary to consult with the governor of North Chungcheong province on legal issues that must be dealt with concerning the villa.”
Another official said that the government is focusing on not only opening the estate to the public, but also making sure that any regulations imposed on the area because of security concerns are lifted. Security activity in the area had imposed strict regulations on the local citizenry, prompting continual protests.
President Chun Doo Hwan had the villa built in 1983. The return of the estate to the general public was under debate when Kim Young-sam was president, but the plan was discarded.
Former president Kim Dae-jung had promised to return the estate in 1997 during his campaign for the presidency, but failed to keep his promise.
The people of Cheongwon may soon find some relief; Mr. Roh said he plans to keep his predecessors’ promise during his term in office.

by Choi Hoon