By Shim Jae-yun
Staff Reporter

Chong Wa Dae is stepping up preparations for President Roh Moo-hyun’s resumption of duties, expecting the Constitutional Court to clear the head of state in the impeachment case this week.

According to Chong Wa Dae officials, Roh is expected to issue a statement marking his comeback within days through his chief public relations officer Lee Byung-wan. He will then appear on television to address the nation, the message being his determination to push ahead with his reform agenda. It remains to be seen whether he will attend the opening ceremony of the annual meeting of the Asia Development Bank to be held in Cheju this week.

The blueprint for Roh’s smooth comeback was the topic of a meeting of senior aides presided over by Roh’s chief of staff Kim Woo-sik on Monday.

``Kim is taking the leading role in the Chong Wa Dae staffers’ efforts to prepare for the Constitutional Court’s rejection of the unprecedented presidential impeachment,’’ said a Chong Wa Dae official on condition of anonymity.

Presidential spokesman Yoon Tai-young also strongly indicated President Roh will be able to return with the court’s acquittal of him.

``Even if Roh is reinstated, he will not make a public apology for the dispute triggered by the opposition-led impeachment,’’ Yoon said, rebuffing earlier reports by some vernacular newspapers.

But wary of the possible negative impact upon the court’s decision and repercussion from the opposition parties, Yoon maintained a cautious attitude, saying, ``We are not in a position to talk about the matter (of the impeachment).’’

Another Chong Wa Dae official said Roh will focus on rejuvenating the sagging national economy and stabilizing the livelihood of the people in general after being reinstated.

Roh has said he would let the virtual ruling Uri Party press for the much-touted reform drive.

He has also been seeking overhaul of the presidential office, abolishing, for instance, the post of presidential secretary for political affairs.

The court is set to deliver a written ruling on Roh’s fate later this week. At least six of the nine court panel members must endorse the impeachment to oust Roh from office.

Yoon also dismissed a report that Roh will give a keynote speech at the annual general assembly of the Asia Development Bank which begins on the southern island of Cheju Thursday.

``We have not set an itinerary for President Roh because of the impeachment case,’’ Yoon said.

Chong Wa Dae is considering establishing a new secretariat post which will be in charge of responsibilities besides the role as senior presidential secretary for political affairs.

It is seeking to set up a new post of senior presidential secretary for social and civil affairs that will combine the role of three senior presidential secretaries for political, civil and people’s participation affairs.

The relevant move has been designed to reduce the role of President Roh in domestic political affairs and provide him with further chances to focus on the economy, diplomacy and national security, Chong Wa Dae officials said.

Given this background, Roh has yet to appoint the successor of Yoo In-tae, former senior presidential secretary for political affairs who resigned in February to run in the general election.

Lee Byung-wan, senior presidential secretary on public relations, has since taken charge of Yoo’s duties.

Chong Wa Dae’s idea is expected to generate a stir among many Uri Party members as they have had a more active role at Chong Wa Dae in dealing with domestic political issues.

jayshim@koreatimes.co.kr