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The National Assembly had scheduled a ratification vote on the free trade zone (FTA) with Chile on Monday, but inadequate preparation by the leadership of the ruling and opposition parties allowed Assembly members from farming regions to block passage of the bill.
The government's bill requesting approval for additional troops to be sent to Iraq was passed by the National Defense Committee, despite complications that began early morning when committee chairman Chang Young-dal of Uri Party was prevented by civic groups from leaving his house. Opposition from members of the ruling Uri Party prevented the bill from being put on the main floor agenda, however.
Groups opposing both votes engaged in sometimes violent protest outside the Assembly building Monday. Skirmishes with riot police lasted 8 hours and produced numerous injuries.
Amidst it all the Assembly did pass a bill requiring the immediate release of former Grand National Party (GNP) chairman Suh Chung-won, who was being held in the Seoul Detention Center on bribe charges. Article 44 Section 2 of the Constitution allows that, "In case of apprehension or detention of a member of the National Assembly prior to the opening of a session, such member must be released during the session upon the request of the National Assembly." The vote to have Suh released had 158 votes in favor, 60 votes opposed, and 2 abstentions.
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Members of the Korean Farmers League and a civil group carry out demonstrations Monday to protest against the passing of the FTA bill with Chile.
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The day ended with parties blaming each other for the days events and failure to pass legislation widely thought to be of critical importance to the national interest.
(Park Du-sik, dspark@chosun.com )
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