Lee Hae-chan "I've Endured Enough... Will Create a Working National Assembly Even Alone"

Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 15th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated, "We have endured as much as we can," and announced that he will push forward with the election of standing committee chairs at the plenary session to be held on the afternoon of the 15th.

At the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that morning, Lee said, "Today marks the first week past the legal deadline for organizing the National Assembly," adding, "We will make the 21st National Assembly a working assembly even if we have to do it alone."

He said, "The Democratic Party has endured as much as it can and has done more than possible. We gave the United Future Party as much time as possible and made many concessions," adding, "I believe the Speaker of the National Assembly will understand the Democratic Party's will and endurance."

He also criticized, "The Democratic Party and the people clearly remember the infinite obstruction by the United Future Party, which held the Legislation and Judiciary Committee in the 20th National Assembly. We even saw on television the Legislation and Judiciary Committee chair locking in a lawmaker who was going to vote and blocking the door with a sofa," adding, "The United Future Party has no right to talk about the Legislation and Judiciary Committee."

Regarding the 20th anniversary of the June 15 Joint Declaration, Lee said, "Our government must show that it is doing its best to keep promises to North Korea. Possible aspects related to the Panmunjom Declaration and others should be actively implemented."

He continued, "North Korea must also understand the differences between the two Koreas and trust the will of the Moon Jae-in administration," adding, "Actions against the South and military actions are never in line with the intentions of President Kim Dae-jung and Chairman Kim Jong-il. As a member of the June 15 delegation, I will faithfully carry out what I can do."

Regarding the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in the metropolitan area, Lee said, "The government must thoroughly prepare quarantine measures and summer livelihood measures as the heat intensifies," adding, "The party and government will do everything they can, but I also ask the public to strictly practice daily quarantine and social distancing in places with high infection risks."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.