National unity key to stability, security

No one can overemphasize the importance of bipartisan cooperation when the nation is grappling with emergency situations. The death of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il illustrates how close collaboration is required to minimize the fallout of the rising geopolitical risks.

It is good to see lawmakers of the ruling Grand National Party (GNP) work closely with the Democratic Unity Party (DUP) and other minor parties to assess the situation following Kim’s demise. They swiftly convened defense, diplomacy and intelligence committees at the National Assembly. This is in stark contrast to recent confrontations between the rival parties over the GNP’s passing of the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (FTA) ratification bill.

There is no more pressing issue than Kim’s passing. It is fortunate that the legislators have put aside differences over the FTA and other thorny issues in order to help the people ease their concerns about defense and security. This bipartisanship is a basic requirement for crisis control and management.

Thursday’s meeting between President Lee Myung-bak and leaders of the GNP and the DUP was also an important step. Lee did the right thing in seeking understanding and cooperation from both parties regarding his measures, including the expression of sympathy for North Koreans.

The President has repeatedly come under criticism for a lack of ability to properly communicate with the people, not to mention opposition politicians and dissenters. Now, he should do more to improve his capacity to embrace the broad political and ideological spectrum to promote social cohesion and unity.

He has produced successful results from the meeting of the party representatives. He managed to receive bipartisan backing for the steps he has taken over what’s happening in the North. DUP co-leader Won Hye-young has promised cooperation in handling the situation, positively assessing the government’s response.

Of course, some discord still exists about a government move not to send an official delegation to Kim’s funeral. Some critics are taking the issue with a decision to allow only the families of late President Kim Dae-jung and late Hyundai Group Chairman Chung Mong-hun to travel to Pyongyang to offer their condolences.

Such discord may divide the nation sharply as seen in the death of North Korean founder Kim Il-sung in 1994. The Lee administration, political parties and civil society should make joint efforts to prevent this from happening again.

Most of all, President Lee should spare no efforts to meet opposition party leaders and prominent social figures to brief them on his policies and get their understanding and cooperation. Lawmakers need to put national interests above their partisanship in important issues related to national security and defense. Only then can they better serve the people and the nation.