Park entreats opposition party to help launch new gov't on time

Incoming President Park Geun-hye appealed to the opposition party Friday, asking them to accept her government reorganization proposal and help launch her administration on time.

With Park's inauguration only 10 days away, the National Assembly has yet to approve the reorganization plan that centers on transferring the foreign ministry's trade negotiating functions to the commerce ministry. Talks between the ruling Saenuri Party and main opposition Democratic United Party (DUP) have been deadlocked over the DUP's demands to create a separate office to handle trade negotiations, among other issues.

The delay in parliament has also prevented Park from nominating her full Cabinet as its members will depend on the new government's organizational layout. The reorganization proposal includes the creation of two new ministries handling science and technology, and maritime and fisheries affairs, among other changes.

"I earnestly ask (the opposition) to help pass the government reorganization proposal by viewing it from the perspective of the people," Park said during a policy discussion with the women's and cultural affairs subcommittee of her transition team.

"If the proposal isn't passed quickly, the new government won't be able to move forward with its Cabinet and personnel appointments. Without considering the opposition or myself, this would inflict the greatest loss on the people," she said.

Park has so far named her nominees for prime minister, foreign and defense ministers and the chiefs of four other ministries that won't be affected by the reorganization.

"The proposal was drawn up with an aim to create new jobs through a creative economy suited to the rapidly changing times, and revive the economy," she said.

Park also argued that with North Korea's continued provocations, including Tuesday's nuclear test, the new government will not be able to look after the public's safety unless it is launched on time.

Later in the day, Park called DUP chief Moon Hee-sang, requesting his help in the negotiations.

"We are perfectly prepared to help," Moon told Yonhap News Agency, referring to Park's phone call to him. "But the (ruling Saenuri Party's) people responsible for the negotiations aren't budging, saying (the proposal) is the president-elect's philosophy, so what is there for the opposition to do?"

Moon said Park asked once again for his cooperation, adding that she made an "important" step in trying to communicate with the opposition.

Meanwhile, confirmation hearings for Park's nominees for six ministers will be conducted after Park takes office on Feb. 25, officials said.

Park's prime minister nominee Chung Hong-won will undergo a confirmation hearing next Wednesday and Thursday, but the others, including defense minister nominee Kim Byung-kwan, are likely to face parliamentary questioning after Park's inauguration, they added.

Accordingly, the incoming government will begin with the outgoing Cabinet staying in place until the new selections are confirmed by parliament.

(Yonhap News)