President Roh Moo-hyun on Thursday waited for a meeting to start with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)’s board of directors, shortly after the Constitutional Court’s announcement saying that a law on the nation's capital relocation runs counter to the constitution. Court Rules Capital Relocation Unconstitutional, Halts Gov't Plans Foreign News Report on President Roh's Setback in Relocation Plan Mayor, Governor Voice Support for Court's Decision on Capital Relocation Constitutional Court Puts an End to Capital Relocation Controversy

Kim also said that the government would examine the ruling and its validity, before taking an official position on the court's decision, and that in its examinition, the government would poll public opinion and consult with the ruling party.

Government spokesman Jung Soon-kyun released a statement saying that, in compliance with the court ruling, the government would suspend all activities related to capital relocation.

Jung said that the government would measure public opinion and consult with legal experts on the legal effectiveness and validity of the court ruling, adding that regardless of the ruling, the government will continue to push policies to boost the economy and improve the lives of Koreans

Uri Spokesman Lim Jong-seok said that the ruling party was taken by surprise by this setback.

Meanwhile, GNP Chairwoman Park Geun-hye welcomed the court ruling, saying that she was unhappy about seeing national identity and law shaken, but happy that the ruling had reminded the people that the constitution is still alive.

(Shin Jeong-rok, jrshin@chosun.com )