Former President
Roh Moo-hyun |
By Kim Sue-young
Staff Reporter
Demand for President Lee Myung-bak's resignation over the controversial deal to import U.S. beef is not befitting the constitutional order, former President Roh Moo-hyun said Saturday.
In a speech at an annual meeting of his supporters' group in Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province, Roh said, articles in some liberal newspapers were headlined ``Renegotiations'' and ``Down with the Lee government.''
In principle, if there is something wrong in the beef import deal, demanding the resignation of the current government at candlelit vigils is not in line with the constitutional order, he said.
``Neither is it desirable in the midst of democratic order,'' said Roh who retired in late February.
Roh stressed that citizens should rather focus on what the new National Assembly which began its four-year term on May 30 is going to do.
``It is important to urge President Lee to do something and criticize his action. But I think the really risky thing is that the Assembly may have greater power than before,'' he said.
Regarding protesters' attempt to march to the presidential office, he advised them not to resort to such tactics because they cannot gain what they want through it.
Roh also expressed hope for public support for his successor, saying President Lee will lead the nation for the next five years.
``People should make demands if necessary, but help him manage state affairs well. Even though citizens are reluctant to do so at first, it is right and beneficial for them,'' he said.
Candlelit vigils and rallies against the resumption of American beef imports have been ongoing for nearly one month due to worries about mad cow disease and the so-called ``rough-and-ready'' negotiations between Seoul and Washington.
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