By Na Jeong-ju
Staff Reporter
Buddhist leaders urged President Lee Myung-bak, Tuesday, to show a more sincere attitude in mending fences with Buddhists after he expressed regret over the allegation that some public officials discriminated against them.
At a Cabinet meeting in Cheong Wa Dae, Lee said, ``It is deeply regrettable that some officials caused misunderstanding among Buddhists and thus hurt their feelings.''
Lee instructed National Police Agency (NPA) Commissioner Eo Cheong-soo to visit Buddhist leaders and apologize for the police's search of the car of Ven. Jigwan, the head of the country's largest Buddhist Jogye Order during a crackdown on protesters in late July.
The Cabinet also approved a revision of the service code for public officials to prevent them from discriminating against any specific religion. The government will set up regulations next month for the revised code.
``No Buddhists will be satisfied with the attitude Lee and his administration have shown in dealing with them,'' said Ven. Jinhwa, the head of a Buddhist alliance which leads rallies against the perceived religious discrimination. ``We don't think Lee is genuinely regretful about the discrimination. Lee failed to meet our demands, so we will continue our fight.''
Ven. Jinhwa demanded again a public apology from Lee, and the dismissal of the police chief. If this does not happen, the Buddhist alliance will hold massive rallies nationwide later this month, he said.
The ruling Grand National Party hoped Lee's expression of regret will be an opportunity for him to get along with Buddhists.
``Lee promised to prevent religious discrimination and expressed regret. We hope this will help ease Buddhists' anger,'' GNP spokesman Cha Myeong-jin said.
The main opposition liberal Democratic Party, however, charged Lee with mishandling the case.
``Lee should have sacked the police chief if he really wanted to mend fences with Buddhists. He also failed to apologize. Buddhists will not trust him,'' the party said in a statement.
Cheong Wa Dae said it will make all possible efforts to regain the trust of Buddhists.
Kang Yoon-ku, chief presidential secretary for social policy and civil affairs, met Ven. Beopjeon at Haeinsa Temple, Monday, and delivered a gift from the President and his best wishes for good health, the office said.
Kang, a Buddhist, has visited temples nationwide and attended various religious events.