청 "Greenbelt, No Conclusion Yet... Must Consider Effects and Costs Comprehensively"

Cheong Wa Dae Panorama / Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Son Sun-hee] On the 19th, the Blue House stated regarding the lifting of the Greenbelt to expand housing supply that "all alternatives are being considered," but also said, "No conclusion has been reached yet."

A senior Blue House official said in a meeting with reporters that afternoon, "This is an issue that requires a comprehensive review of the effects and various costs associated with the (Greenbelt lifting) measure."

Earlier that morning, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun expressed a cautious stance in a broadcast interview, responding to related questions by saying, "It is right to approach this very carefully. Once the Greenbelt is damaged, it cannot be restored."

On the other hand, Kim Sang-jo, Chief of the Blue House Policy Office, said in a radio interview on the 17th, "The ruling party and government have already reached an agreement," adding, "It is the government's role to resolve the controversy." This was interpreted as the government effectively deciding to lift the Greenbelt.

Amid the conflicting interpretations of statements from senior government officials, a senior Blue House official said, "It is a situation where a conclusion must be reached after review," and added, "We understand the remarks of Prime Minister Chung and Chief Kim to be in the same context."

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