By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
Civic group leaders urged politicians to sit down and work together to solve societal problems and listen carefully to what the public wants and asked the National Assembly to end the clash.
One hundred and six members of liberal civic groups gathered at the Press Center, in Seoul, and urged the government to be more prudent in formulating policies. Among them were Park Jae-seung, former president of the Korean Bar Association and Jeong Gwang-hun, chairman of the Korean Alliance for Progressive Movement.
``President Lee Myung-bak and his administration has given us nothing but disappointment for the past year,'' Park said. ``We should harmonize and share our wisdom for societal peace.''
He said the government has triggered numerous public disputes. ``It is not acknowledging the Provisional Government established in Shanghai during the Japanese colonial rule from 1910 to 1945. It was the biggest case of ignoring Korea's roots. These days, many people wonder whether the Lee administration cares only about the rich.''
Members also said the recent Media Law revision, Internet regulation and other ``controversial'' initiatives President Lee has put forth should be withdrawn.
``It will erode the media's independence,'' they said.
On the other hand, business leaders Monday urged the National Assembly to pass the pending bills. ``We appeal to the National Assembly to pass the free trade agreement motion with the United States. It is the only way we can cope with the economic downturn,'' they said.
The participants were leaders from five main business organizations ㅡ the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Federation of Korean Industries, the Korea federation of Small and Medium Business, The Korea International Trade Association and the Korea Employers Federation.
They also said that the new media laws must be passed immediately. ``The media has been stuck in its ways for too long and it's time it had some fresh air ㅡ to ignite competitiveness,'' they said.