By Na Jeong-ju
Staff Reporter

The Constitutional Court said on Tuesday it has decided to make its verdict on the impeachment of President Roh Moo-hyun at 10 a.m. on Friday.

Considering keen public attention and the case’s historical importance, the court will allow TV networks to broadcast the ruling live nationwide.

``The court’s nine justices held a meeting this morning, and decided to make a ruling on Friday,’’ Constitutional Court spokesman Chun Jong-ik told reporters. ``The justices are in the final stage to fine-tune the wording of the verdict, to be finalized in less than an hour.’’

The statement comes amid speculation that the court has already decided to reinstate Roh, whose presidential powers have been suspended on a decision by the opposition-dominated National Assembly on March 12.

The justices have said the court has made a tentative verdict, but will keep the result of whether or not to uphold the Assembly decision in the wraps to the last possible moment.

``From now on, the justices will give the final touch to the details of the verdict until Friday,’’ Chun said. ``The contents of the verdict as well as the justices’ decision on whether or not to include a minority opinion in the verdict will be announced on Friday.’’

To unseat the president permanently, more than six of the nine justices must give the go-ahead for the impeachment. Speculation has it that the court may dismiss the impeachment citing procedural problems, or that a majority of the justices are opposed to the impeachment. Either decision will clear the way for Roh to return to office.

A growing sense of confidence has been felt in the ruling camp over the ruling after the Uri Party secured a majority in last month’s general elections.

The presidential office of Chong Wa Dae has been preparing for the smooth return of Roh to his duties.

According to Chong Wa Dae officials, Roh would issue a statement marking his comeback soon after he is reinstated. He will then give a television address to the people.

Sources said the Constitutional Court has decided not to disclose the names of the justices of minority opinions to prevent a possible political backlash. The court usually discloses who has made which decision.

Instead, the opinions that were made by a minority may be included in the verdict, according to the sources.

On Saturday, President Roh will speak to the nation, Chong Wa Dae officials said.

In his address to be televised to the nation, Roh will indirectly express regret over the confusion created by the impeachment case against him, the officials said. He will not be attending the opening ceremony of the annual meeting of the Asian Development Bank to be held on Cheju Island, Saturday.

jj@koreatimes.co.kr