Assembly speaker vows to enforce vote on pending bills

SEOUL, Dec. 29 (Yonhap) -- National Assembly Speaker Kim Hyong-o vowed Monday to
put to a vote by Wednesday a set of controversial bills rejected by opposition
parties, putting his foot down on a partisan dispute that has held dozens of
economic rescue plans hostage.
With just three days left in the year, rival parties have been locking horns over
several issues, including ratification of a free trade deal with the United
States, leaving hundreds of economy-related bills idled.
The largest opposition Democratic Party (DP) has occupied the parliament's main
chamber since Friday last week and is determined to block the passage of bills it
calls "anti-democratic" and "unfair to the underprivileged."
"Dear people and colleagues at the parliament, the year must not pass without
settling the bills designed to relieve the burden on the public," Assembly
Speaker Kim told a press conference Monday. "A plenary session will convene on
the 31st and pending bills will be settled. This is my final decision."
The ruling Grand National Party (GNP) on Sunday set aside 85 "key bills" that
must be passed before the end of the year and requested the speaker to use his
authority in opening a final vote. The conservative GNP controls 172 seats in the
299-member unicameral house, enough to legislate without the participation of its
main opponent.
hayney@yna.co.kr
(END)