Korean Embassy responds

Korean Embassy responds

I refer to your publication in relation to President Roh Moo-
hyun's impeachment. I have found three articles and two photos
related to the matter in your March 13 edition.

In this context allow me to sum up as follows:
* The impeachment of a sitting president by the National Assembly
is the first ever in the 56-year history of Korean democracy. In
accordance with the Constitution, president's powers are in limbo
until the Constitutional Court rules on the vote, which could
take up to six months, during which time the prime minister
assumes the power to conduct state affairs.
* The Korean government of the acting president, Prime Minister
Goh Kun, has dealt with the situation sharply and effectively to
drive forward with no disruptions to any affairs of state.
* Acting President Goh Kun reassured the people, as the statement
addressed to Korean citizens notes:
- First, the government will strive to ensure our national
security and implement Korea's foreign policy, and that neither
will be undermined in any way.
- Second, the government will concentrate its efforts on the
stable management of the economy and promoting the welfare of the
people.
- Third, the government will strengthen efforts to maintain
public peace and social order to prevent the occurrence of
illegal collective activities and the disruption of public order.
- Fourth, the government will supervise the April general
elections in a completely impartial manner.
* Acting President Goh Kun has been doing his utmost to overcome
the difficulties in our country through hosting of cabinet
meetings and several ministerial meetings on economic affairs,
foreign affairs and national security. All of this shows that he
has won public confidence.
* The financial markets, which were shocked, have stabilized
speedily following the impeachment action and almost all foreign
investments have remained in the country.

According to the results of a public opinion poll, the Korean
people expressed concern toward the parliament and opposition
parties. More than 70 percent of the respondents are of the
opinion that the impeachment was incorrect and more than 50
percent of them are of the opinion that the opposition parties
should be held responsible for the political uncertainty and
economic crisis.

Many Koreans held big demonstrations to criticize the National
Assembly for a few days following the impeachment of President
Roh Moo-hyun. However, they are now recovering from the traumatic
political concussion.

KIM SANG-SOOL, Information and Cultural Attache

Embassy of the Republic of Korea, Jakarta