Prime minister: ‘gov`t to probe suspicion over Internet posts by NIS`

Prime Minister Jung Hong-won said on Monday “The government will accurately identify the reality and cause of a string of suspicions including those over online comments allegedly posted by agents of the National Intelligence Service. It will not hesitate to hold accountable those who are responsible.”

In his “statement to the public on economy and pending issues,” which he delivered at the Government Complex in Seoul at 10 a.m. on the day, Jung said, “As soon as the judicial branch presents the results of a probe into and judgment (on suspicions over the NIS` intervention in the presidential election), the government will take the necessary measures.” The Prime Minister thus delivered his first statement to the public eight months after the inauguration of the new administration.

“The president did not benefit whatsoever from the NIS at the latest presidential election in the first place, and clarified her intention that the government will thoroughly investigate suspicions raised through prosecutorial probe and parliamentary interpellation sessions,” Prime Minister Jung said. “If confusion continues to linger over this matter, over which trials and investigation are underway, it will never be beneficial to the national economy.”

The prime minister then urged the political circle to form a united front to revive the economy. Mentioning signs of recovery in the real economy, with the national economy achieving 1 percent level growth rate for two consecutive quarters in recent months, Jung said, “Cooperation by the National Assembly and political circle is essential to ensure that pending bills meant for galvanizing the economy and improving people’s livelihoods that are pending at the National Assembly are passed on the earliest date possible.”

“There should be no divide between the ruling and opposition parties in the effort to revive the economy and spearhead the future of the nation,” Jung said. “I once again urge the National Assembly to speed up deliberation of pending bills during the current assembly session.”

On labor-management relations, Jung said, “Companies are urged not to hesitate to make the necessary investments, and the labor community should help to ensure that long-awaited signs of economic rebound will not go up in smoke due to moves for labor strikes at certain companies.”