By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Sohn Hak-kyu, the chairman of the pro-government United New Democratic Party (UNDP), has adopted a cautious approach toward the party's endorsement of a Free Trade Agreement with the United States.
Sohn said in principle he agrees the people will be the beneficiaries of the deal ultimately, but added there are some obstacles to the parliamentary ratification.
``The government has not made the public feel confident that damage resulting from the deal will be compensated for,'' he said in an interview with KBS TV Sunday.
Sohn mentioned that it was difficult to persuade his fellow legislators to approve the KORUS FTA and that it was important for the UNDP to further discuss the matter with the new administration.
``In the face of general elections (in April), it's hard to ask lawmakers to vote for the deal, given the apparent sense of crisis among farmers,'' he said.
Sohn, formerly a member of the conservative Grand National Party (GNP) and a strong backer of the KORUS FTA, became the leader of the UNDP early this year, despite the opposition and desertions of pro-President Roh Moo-hyun members of the party.
In an interview with major daily newspapers on Jan.19, Sohn reiterated his approval of the FTA, which eventually brought strong objections within his own party. Consequently, Sohn has agreed to step back from his original stance and find the overall opinion of the party, according to the UNDP spokesman.
The chairman also admitted the similarities of the goal in pursuing utilitarianism and market economy with the Lee Myung-bak administration, but pointed out the differences.
``The President-elect is going too far. I am a strong believer in the market, but he is overstressing efficiency. Korea is a nation, not a market,'' he said.
Regarding the issues of the presidential transition team's government reorganization bill, Sohn underlined the responsibilities of an opposition party.
``It is our duty to clarify the wrongdoings of the administration, even if it may effect our party at the general elections. The UNDP is striving to find its own pace and foundation as progressives,'' he said.
The UNDP recently proposed retaining the Ministry of Unification and the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family ― two ministries slated for abolishment in the restructuring plans of the transition committee.