Posted on 05/15/2004 2:15:41 AM PDT by ambrose
Reinstated S. Korean President Apologizes
Saturday May 15, 2004 8:31 AM
AP Photo SEL102
By JAE-SUK YOO
Associated Press Writer
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - President Roh Moo-hyun apologized Saturday for the turmoil caused by the opposition's failed bid to oust him, and promised to devote himself to solving the troubled economy and tensions with North Korea.
Parliament impeached Roh and stripped him of his powers March 12 for a minor election law violation, as well as incompetence and failing to control corruption. The Constitutional Court overturned the decision Friday, saying Roh was only guilty of the election violation, but it wasn't serious enough to oust him.
Even though he was cleared, Roh said he still felt responsible for the wrongdoing of those around him, which had included corruption among several former aides.
``Though the charges were not enough for impeachment, I don't think I shed all political and moral responsibilities,'' Roh said in a nationally televised speech, his first public appearance since reinstatement. ``Especially, mistakes committed by people around me is clearly my misdeed.''
``I deeply apologize again to the public,'' Roh said.
One year into a five-year term, Roh also thanked the nation for giving him a second chance.
``I feel a heavier responsibility than when I first came into office,'' he said. ``I will work hard so I do not let you down.''
The opposition's bid to oust Roh has actually strengthened his mandate. The Grand National Party led the impeachment drive, and lost its parliamentary majority to the pro-Roh Uri Party in elections last month in part because of voter anger over its campaign.
Roh faces major challenges, including the sluggish economy, the international standoff over North Korea's nuclear crisis and a controversial troop dispatch to Iraq.
He said he would not seek stopgap measures to speed up the world's 12th largest economy.
South Korea's economic growth slid to 2.9 percent last year from 6.3 percent in 2002. The government forecasts economic growth of 5 percent this year, but poor domestic consumption and tension over North Korea's nuclear crisis remain a burden.
``As just a couple of shots won't reinvigorate a sick person, I don't think policies hurriedly formulated under public pressure and for popularity will revive the economy,'' Roh said.
Roh acknowledged looming economic hurdles such as rising oil prices, but warned against an intentionally inflated sense of crisis.
``Exaggerating troubles and overreacting to them could have negative effects on the economy,'' Roh said. ``There are real concerns, but also some people seem to raise concerns intentionally to roadblock reforms.''
The 57-year-old progressive leader has championed the rights of low-income workers and called for stricter controls over family-controlled conglomerates that have long dominated the economy.
Roh also vowed to pursue political harmony with the opposition.
``I will listen the opposition's opinion, concede on things that can be conceded and compromise on things that can be compromised,'' he said.
On Iraq, the planned troop dispatch has already been delayed twice amid escalating violence there. Opposition is rising within the Uri Party and a smaller labor party plans to introduce legislation against the mission when the new parliament convenes at month's end.
Roh had pushed the Iraqi dispatch plan despite its unpopularity, portraying it as a way of winning U.S. support for a peaceful end to the North Korean nuclear crisis.
``Today, I could not mention issues that the public is curious about, such as the Iraqi dispatch,'' Roh said. ``I will talk about them gradually when there's a chance.''
The North Korean nuclear crisis also remains a major task for Roh.
North and South Korea, the United States, China, Japan and Russia ended a three-day working-level meeting in Beijing to hash out differences in the nuclear dispute, but failed again to make any breakthroughs. The countries hope to hold a third-round of high-level six-nation talks before July.
quite a contrast to Slick Willard..
"...and promised to devote himself to solving the troubled economy and tensions with North Korea..."
Sounds like his people are as brave as the Spaniards and French.
they're sending 3000 troops to Iraq..
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.