Speaker hints at invoking authority to put the Korea-U.S. FTA ratification bill to vote


The Grand National Party was Friday moving to bring the U.S. Free Trade Agreement ratification motion to a floor vote, raising the likelihood of violence with the opposition which has vowed to block the bill by any means.

“When the time comes, the party shall bring the bill to the plenary session,” said Rep. Hwang Young-cheul, the party’s floor spokesperson, in a radio interview.

“We expect parliamentary speaker Park Hee-tae to accept our proposal for his exercise of authority as speaker to put the motion to the vote.”

Speaker Park hinted at a meeting with reporters Friday that he may approve the GNP’s request.

“I have tried every means possible within my powers,” Park said. “However the results may turn out, people will at least acknowledge that parliament and its speaker have given their best to resolve the issue.”

If Park invokes his authority to send the motion to the floor, a vote is expected as early as next Thursday.

Hwang’s remarks came a day after party lawmakers held discussions on Thursday in which most of them approved of pushing ahead with ratification in accordance with parliamentary procedure.

Floor leader Rep. Hwang Woo-yea, who has so far shunned a railroading of the motion, hardened his stance in step with the majority opinion of the party.

“The liberal camp should know that their demand over the trade deal will hinder our country’s growth,” Hwang said.

He nevertheless asked parties for discussion and negotiations before moving on to the next step.

Despite GNP’s moves, the main opposition Democratic Party refused to compromise.

“Our consistent demand is that the government should first seek renegotiation before asking the parliament to ratify the bill,” said Rep. Sohn Hak-kyu in the party’s Supreme Council meeting.

He also stressed that both states should draw up a written document to guarantee renegotiation that should be signed by minister-level or higher officials.

The DP resolved to hold a general meeting on Monday to work out and adopt its final stance, officials said.

“The DP’s demand for a written commitment to renegotiate is no more than an excuse to delay the ratification,” said Rep. Lee Ju-young, policy committee chairman of the GNP.

“The only option left is to bring the bill to the general meeting, as originally planned.”

Meanwhile, the GNP is trying to secure the required quorum in the plenary session, officials said.

In order to pass the motion, a minimum of 148 out of 295 parliamentary members must attend the meeting and cast their vote.

Though the ruling party presently holds 169 seats, the party’s plan could be in jeopardy if some of its lawmakers refuse to cooperate.

A group of 22 GNP members pledged last year to give up their candidacy in the next general election should they be involved in violence in the National Assembly.

By Bae Hyun-jung (tellme@heraldcorp.com)