ed President’s speech on FTA

The opposition Democratic Party should accept President Lee Myung-bak's proposal to deliver a speech on the importance of the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement at the National Assembly. It is tyranny of a parliamentary minority to block the presidential speech.

DP floor leader and former Finance-Economy Minister Kim Jin-pyo did not accept Lee's proposal. He said Lee might exploit his speech to press the National Assembly into ratifying the deal. The lawmaker also said the President's speech ahead of the Seoul mayoral election was untimely.

The DP's reluctance is understandable. President Lee has long distanced himself from the National Assembly. He only gave two speeches at the National Assembly since he became the head of state in 2008.

The opposition has long criticized President Lee for lacking in communication with the people and the National Assembly. It is illogical to turn a cold shoulder to President Lee's efforts to communicate with the National Assembly on such an important issue as the FTA. The opposition should not give the governing party an excuse for railroading the accord.

President Lee should also make it clear that the government will do its best to minimize the negative effect of the deal. The opposition should bear in mind that the neighboring countries, including China and Japan, are envious of Seoul’s trade deal with Washington.