President Backs Away From Referendum Vote in New Year Address


By Shim Jae-yun
Staff Reporter
President Roh Moo-hyun said on Wednesday that he will place a top priority on creating more jobs this year, while dismissing suggestions of tying his political future to the outcome of April 15 general elections.

``I intend to concentrate on having people receive more benefit from the ongoing economic recovery, which in turn will lead to a rise in national competitiveness,’’ Roh said in a New Year’s news conference at Chong Wa Dae.

``Toward that end, we will maximize our efforts to create more jobs, as this is the best means to enhance the people’s welfare and ensure a fair distribution of wealth,’’ he said.

Regarding his reported plan to use the April elections as a referendum on his presidency, he said, although his effort to communicate directly with the people should not be dismissed, tying his political fate with the elections does not seem particularly feasible, ``due to fierce resistance from the opposition parties coupled with the lingering legal dispute.’’

Opposition parties have been accusing Roh of attempting to link the presidency to the elections as merely a campaign tactic to maintain the upper hand over them as the country nears the crucial election date.

``Although the national referendum will be impossible, I will keep my earlier pledge to appeal for the people’s confidence through other means,’’ Roh said.

He forecast there would be a major change in the political sector following the general elections. ``But I hope such realignment will be a positive shift toward a new order without causing instability and anxiety.’’

Regarding the timing of his entry into the fledgling Uri Party, Roh hinted it would be around March when the independent counsels are set to complete their probe into irregularities allegedly committed by his associates.

``I will enter the party at an appropriate time when my entrance will help it pick up momentum, without posing burden on it,’’ Roh said.

Touching upon the recent controversy regarding the investigation of several Foreign Affairs-Trade Ministry officials in connection with their disparaging remarks against the president, Roh expressed strong displeasure vowing he would take punitive steps against them.

``It is necessary to replace the officials in question so that the government can develop its diplomatic policy smoothly,’’ he said.

Roh vowed to resolve the standoff over the North Korean nuclear program peacefully through dialogue while underlining the need to maintain the close alliance with the United States.

He said the Seoul government will send its troops to Iraq soon after the National Assembly ratifies the related bill.

``I hope the Assembly will deal with the matter at the earliest date possible. Although the ratification will take time, we will try to dispatch the troops immediately after the Assembly passes the bill,’’ he said.

Roh noted the government would put first priority on nurturing economic recovery and stabilizing the people’s livelihood.

Roh also reasserted South Korea’s sovereignty over Tok-to Islets, rebuffing Japan’s recent allegation of territorial rights.

jayshim@koreatimes.co.kr