Democrats boycott talks on FTA with Lee

By Na Jeong-ju

All seven Democratic Party (DP) lawmakers who belong to the National Assembly panel on trade issues boycotted a meeting with President Lee Myung-bak Wednesday in an apparent show of discontent over his push for the ratification of a free trade agreement (FTA) with the United States.

Lee had invited all 28 members of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Trade and Unification to a meeting at Cheong Wa Dae, but only lawmakers of the ruling Grand National Party (GNP) attended, Lee’s aides said.

The refusal by the DP lawmakers came amid speculation that Lee will seek compromise on the U.S. FTA, which is opposed by a majority of DP lawmakers, during talks with DP Chairman Rep. Sohn Hak-kyu, scheduled for Monday at the presidential office.

The Lee administration wants an early ratification of the deal, but the opposition party has been demanding renegotiation, saying the accord favors America.

Observers say Sohn may soften his stance on the FTA to seek concessions from the ruling camp regarding other disputed issues.

Along with the FTA issue, Lee and Sohn will discuss the country’s high college tuition, risks of insolvency at savings banks, rising household debt and job creation, both sides said.

Some DP lawmakers have urged Sohn not to consider a “political deal” over the FTA, but there is a general consensus among legislators that the trade deal with the United States is strategically important for the country’s security and economic future.

However, a compromise on the FTA could be a political blow to Sohn amid signs of a divide among DP lawmakers over whether to approve the accord.

Sohn, the leading opposition candidate for the next presidency, has called for “strategic flexibility” and stronger communication with political opponents in handling issues of conflicting interest.

He is facing calls to make a breakthrough in the political deadlock and improve relations with Lee in preparing for next year’s general elections and the presidential race, observers say.

At Wednesday’s gathering with GNP lawmakers, President Lee called for an early resumption of deliberations on the U.S. FTA.

“Seoul and Washington should exert more efforts so that legislatures of both nations can approve the deal at an early date and businesses and people can enjoy the enormous benefits it will bring about,” Lee said.

The trade pact, signed in 2007 and supplemented last December, has been awaiting approval from the legislatures of two countries.