By Kim Sue-young
Staff Reporter
National Assembly Speaker Lim Chae-jung said Tuesday presidential hopefuls and political parties should clarify their stance on constitutional change.
In his speech at a ceremony to mark the 59th Constitution Day at the Assembly, Lim said that the legislature will start research to prepare for a possible constitutional amendment.
``Parties and hopefuls have the responsibility to present their ideas regarding the thorny issue before the presidential election,'' he said. ``It is regrettable that they have yet to announce their position.''
Underlining the importance of the revision, Lim insisted that lawmakers should reframe the Constitution, providing the public agree, through debates to reach a consensus.
Most of the presidential aspirants agree that the Constitution needs to be amended.
Leading Grand National Party (GNP) hopeful Lee Myung-bak said the basic laws, except for the clause on national security, should be revised to meet the demands of the times.
Lee's party rival, Park Geun-hye, and former Chairman Chung Dong-young of the pro-government Uri Party have pledged to introduce a four-year, double-term presidency should they win the election. Chung has also proposed the adoption of the U.S.-style presidency, which allows the election of a vice president.
Former Minister of Government Administration and Home Affairs Kim Doo-kwan advocated introducing a bicameral legislature for possible unification of the two Koreas.
In his speech, Lim also suggested organizing a special Assembly committee to ease polarization, stressing that it should shoulder the responsibility foisted upon caring people.
As for inter-Korean relations, Lim said the two Koreas should discuss declaring an end to the 1950-53 Korea War and signing a peace treaty. ``As far as the inter-Korean issues are being changed, the two should hold talks soon.''
Lim said people should consider carefully when choosing their next leader. A considerable amount of weight is riding on the Dec. 19 presidential election, which could go either way in contributing to national unity.