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Saenuri’s mixed views over four river project

Posted November. 21, 2014 07:38,   

한국어

Ruling Saenuri Party’s Supreme Council member Rhee In-je said on Thursday that it is necessary to launch parliamentary investigation on the four-river refurbishing project and the resource diplomacy of the former administration.

Rep. Rhee said at a Supreme Council meeting, “Analysis, evaluation and judgment must be made on the project at the National Assembly. We must have a creative approach to how to improve and adjust (the project), and how to develop the project in relation to the national economy.” However, when it comes to the defense industry corruption, Rhee opposed to the parliamentary investigation saying, “The government has already investigated the issue by launching the joint investigation team. I think that would be enough.”

It is unprecedented that a leader of the ruling party publicly made remarks in support of parliamentary investigation on the four-river project and the resource diplomacy, which has been requested by the opposition party. Because of this, some analyze that the Saenuri Supreme Council member takes the bullet to reveal what the presidential office wants to say.

On the remarks by Rhee, Saenuri Party Chairman Kim Moo-sung couldn’t hide embarrassment. At the end of the open discussion, Kim drew a clear line by saying, “Among the discussed agenda, remarks on the parliamentary investigation were all personal opinions. Not the party’s opinion.” Kim made hearty laughs but the atmosphere got icy.

Saenuri Party Floor Leader Lee Wan-gu said on Wednesday, “Parliamentary investigation will be discussed after the regular session of National Assembly.” The current Saenuri party leadership is concerned whether the parliamentary investigation on the four-river project and the resource diplomacy, which are regarded as major achievements of the former Lee Myung-bak administration, might be seen as collision between the former and current administrations. But the ruling party is open to discussion with the opposition party.