[Opinion] Assessment of Confidence and Security

Regarding President Roh’s statement on an assessment of public’s confidence, the political situation is in a state of disorder. Opinions are divided over what caused this situation and where the responsibility lies. There is an opinion in which President Roh’s inappropriate behavior is the reason, and some people insist that it is due to an arrogance of a huge opposition party. With this, the public opinion is divided into different camps. It is analyzed that this is his last move to win, aiming a general election next year, and that it is not impossible for him to step down from his presidency. There exists a sympathetic view for a president in an extreme situation, and it can’t be assured that the public’s opinions will be unified even after he wins a confidence vote.

Following President Roh’s declaration of assessing the public’s confidence, all the secretaries and ministers announced their resignations but was rejected by Roh. Criticism can’t be evaded for bringing a political vacuum and weighing public uneasiness with this sensation. President Roh ordered that an administration should be with the prime minister in charge standing out in the middle of state affairs and leading them with full responsibility. But it is questionable that it will be conducted in this chaotic period. Even under the full responsibility of the prime minister, who oversees domestic affairs, diplomatic and security problems, giving priority to national interests, should be lead by the president. The core of external affairs is trembling according to an unprecedented situation in which the president himself mentioned the assessment of public’s confidence.

This occurrence could be a great deal of pressure on national security. It is possible that he will be able to show his leadership and lead public opinions on dispatching forces to Iraq. Now there is a diversity of opinions on sensitive issues such as the appropriate size of dispatch, the region to send troops, and the share of expenses. Korea might send a group of inspectors again to Iraq on account of the difficulty of making a concluding solution. Since the second six multi-lateral talks, dealing with nuclear issues of North Korea, did not go very smoothly, the peoples’ nerves are bristled in regards to the disposal of nuclear materials of North Korea in the country. It is being delayed to negotiate on the move of YongSan U.S. Army base according to re-allocation of U.S Army. The case of Song Du-yul brought an ideological conflict leading a hotter dispute.

The opinion is raised that the president’s statement of assessment of public’s confidence is accepted as a fixed fact and a referendum is needed to be made as a method to reinforce his confidence. It should be preceded that unconstitutional facts are removed through proper consolidation of the law by politicians. And it is rumored that a referendum will be put around the period when general elections are held, but it may not be easy to make a conclusion under the new four-party system. This period would be the highest spot on which the uncertainty of security will reach its highest point due to the North Korean situation. The uneasiness of security could be heavier when troubles both at home and abroad happen simultaneously. It is desired earnestly to have wisdom to bring conflictions to integrations.

An In Hae, a guest editorial writer, a professor of Korea University

yhahn@korea.ac.kr