Lee asks for parliamentary support for key reform bills

SEOUL, Sept. 26 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Myung-bak on Friday asked for full
parliamentary support for his administration's bid to revive the flagging
economy, promote the use of clean energy resources, reinforce law enforcement and
get rid of anti-market policies introduced by the previous liberal governments.

Lee made the request while meeting with a group of 18 parliamentary standing
committee chairpersons over dinner at the presidential office, Cheong Wa Dae.
"I'll make good on my previous pledge to stave off mass bankruptcies of small-
and medium-sized companies exposed to foreign exchange risks," Lee said at the
dinner meeting.
Referring to his government's drive to rid middle and high school textbooks of
left-leaning content, Lee said he is determined to normalize school textbooks
after consulting both liberal and conservative camps.
"I wish parliamentary leaders of rival parties would deliberate on all government
reform bills from the perspective of national, not partisan, interests," said the
president.
"The administration itself will also faithfully strive to maintain communication
channels with all political parties. I myself am ready to cooperate with the
National Assembly in key state affairs," he said.
On Thursday, Lee and the leader of the main opposition Democratic Party, Chung
Sye-kyun, held their first meeting and agreed to put aside their partisan
differences to focus on revitalizing the economy and resuming dialogue with North
Korea.