Post of President’s Special Advisor on Political Affairs to be Abolished

On the afternoon of June 4 during a counsel with leaders of the Uri Party, President Roh clarified the principle of mutual inviolability between the party and Cheong Wa Dae. He also yielded to the request from some members of the party that he abolish the post of President’s Special Advisor on Political Affairs.

“I will make clear the principle of inviolability in the operation of the party and the National Assembly. I will only support the party as a normal member of it, and never meddle in it,” he said. “I am abolishing the President’s Special Advisor on Political Affairs to minimize unnecessary misunderstandings in this process, so the party be content not to create unnecessary conflicts and not to meddle in the operation of Cheong Wa Dae”.

He also emphasized, “I will not ask the party to be fully supportive of the President, but to leave the decision to the party and each of its members. The President is ready to accept occasional defeat in the National Assembly”.

According to the terms of the abolishment, the President’s Special Advisor on Political Affairs Moon Hee-sang, who bridged between the party and Cheong Wa Dae, lost his job. From now on, party-government consultative conference will become the only official window.

Regarding this, President Roh said, “the policy conference will be held through a high-level committee meeting between the party and Cheong Wa Dae,” and that “the Prime Minister will supervise, and each Minister will attend. If an important judgment is necessary, the President’s Policy Team will also be participating.” Shin Gi-nam, Chairman of the Uri Party, suggested: “Let’s make the gathering of the President, party leaders, and floor leaders as a regular occurrence.” The President denied this request, saying, “If necessary, I am ready to meet them and dispense with formalities.” In addition, on the subject of appointing a candidate for Prime Minister, President Roh said, “I will think about that matter after the re-election on June 5.”

Jung-Hun Kim jnghn@donga.com