Posted May. 30, 2007 03:06,
Responding to resistance against the governments recent decision to consolidate press rooms in government agencies, President Roh Moo-hyun said yesterday that, Many other advanced countries dont have news transmission rooms separately, adding, Since we are worried sudden changes might generate inconvenience, we have provided news transmission rooms apart from briefing rooms. But if the press keeps complaining and asking for unfair privileges, the government has no choice but to properly deal with this problem.
President Roh stated that in a cabinet council meeting held yesterday at Cheong Wa Dae, he ordered Kim Chang-ho, head of the Government Information Agency, to examine the feasibility of closing news transmission rooms entirely.
Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Cheon Ho-seon said that, The Government Information Agency has started an investigation into the possibility of closing news transmission rooms.
Since this is interpreted as a sign of President Rohs strong will not to yield to the criticism of the press and political circle about this measure, the debate around this is expected to be more furious.
President Roh also complained during the council meeting about the presss reactions to this measure, saying, This consolidation measure has been initiated by me, adding, Recent coverage about this issue doesnt report the objective facts based on the cases of other countries. It is worrisome that they are not reporting truthful facts.
Following this, President Roh said that, It is a pity that they are carried away with wrong information provided by the press; some politicians and political parties are even arguing for the abolition of the Government Information Agency.
President Roh also stressed that, Some politicians and press figures are criticizing this measure as if this is an action to suppress the press, adding, If this continues, I have intention of having discussions with opponents on why this measure has problems in front of the nation.