By Na Jeong-ju
The country’s free trade agreement (FTA) with the United States is emerging as the main topic for discussion at a proposed meeting between President Lee Myung-bak and main opposition Democratic Party (DP) Chairman Rep. Sohn Hak-kyu, which may take place as early as this month.
The trade pact, signed in 2007 and supplemented last December, has been awaiting approval from the legislatures of both countries.
The Lee administration has been calling for an early ratification of the deal, but the main opposition party has demanded a renegotiation, saying the accord favors the U.S.
The fate of the Korea-U.S. FTA has become more uncertain since the new leadership of the ruling Grand National Party (GNP) said there won’t be “unconditional support” for the deal in what appears to be a power game with the presidential office.
Rep. Hwang Woo-yea, elected as GNP’s floor leader and acting chairman following the party’s defeat in April’s by-elections, has proposed some reform measures, such as college tuition cuts and the withdrawal of a plan to reduce corporate and income taxes, causing concerns among Lee’s aides and the GNP faction which sides with the President.
Observers say Lee’s uneasy relations with the new GNP stakeholders could remain an obstacle for the conservative leader in seeking fresh momentum for his disputed projects, such as the refurbishment of four major rivers.
Lee’s aides hope the planned meeting with the opposition leader will be an opportunity for Lee to create a turnaround and overcome such political difficulties. In that sense, there could be a compromise between Lee and Sohn regarding the Korea-U.S. FTA.
“Despite DP’s opposition to the deal, there is a general consensus among lawmakers that there is no viable alternative,” a presidential aide said on condition of anonymity.
“The deal could be a symbolic item that can bring the two sides closer together and initiate discussions on other sticky issues, such as college tuition cuts, when Lee meets Sohn,” he added.
The meeting also has significant meaning for the DP chairman.
Sohn, the leading opposition candidate for the next presidency, has called for “strategic flexibility” and stronger communication with political opponents in handling issues of conflicting interests.
From a strategic perspective, Sohn needs to improve relations with Lee in preparing for next year’s general elections and the presidential race, observers say.
“I want to have sincere dialogue about challenges facing our society, our people,” he said Monday, proposing the face-to-face meeting with Lee.
Sohn said he aims to discuss the endorsing of the FTA, creating jobs, growing household debt and other issues that are related to people’s livelihood.
Lee welcomed his offer, saying he has no reason not to meet with him.
The DP and Cheong Wa Dae said they will hold preparatory discussions to set the agenda and timing for the proposed session.