Floor leader Han Byung-do of the Democratic Party of Korea emphasized that the peaceful use of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) must be guaranteed by law and institutions. He also proposed pushing together a "one-point constitutional amendment" to enshrine the "May 18 spirit" in the Constitution in the local elections in Jun.
Floor leader Han stated accordingly in a speech by the representative of the negotiation bloc at the February extraordinary session of the National Assembly on the morning of the 3rd. In his speech, Han stressed "ending insurrection" and "people's livelihood and reform legislation."
Han said, "We must no longer delay restoring the Sept. 19 military agreement, which prevents accidental clashes between the two Koreas and restores political and military trust," adding, "Fundamentally, the peaceful use of the DMZ must be guaranteed by Korea's laws and institutions."
He went on to say, "President Lee Jae-myung presented 'stable growth supported by peace' at the New Year's press conference," adding, "The foundation of a calm livelihood is ultimately solid peace. We must improve inter-Korean relations and breathe warmth back into peace on the Korean Peninsula."
The government and the ruling party are pushing a "DMZ Act" that allows non-military access to the DMZ. However, over the issue of approval authority for DMZ entry, the United Nations Command (UNC) points out that "the DMZ Act directly conflicts with the Armistice Agreement and excessively undermines UNC's authority."
He also proposed a "one-point constitutional amendment," saying that the local elections in Jun should be used to restore people's livelihoods. Han stressed, "We propose a one-point constitutional amendment along with the upcoming local elections. Let's enshrine the May 18 spirit in the preamble of the Constitution," adding, "The May 18 Democratization Movement is the foundation of the Republic of Korea's constitutional order and democracy. There is no reason to delay including it in the preamble."
He said the February extraordinary session would handle bills related to "prosecution and judicial reform" and "administrative integration" promoted by the ruling party and the government. He also asked the opposition party for cooperation, saying the Special Act on Investment in the United States should be processed swiftly to remove tariff uncertainty.
Han said, "Prosecution and judicial reform is the spirit of the times that cannot be reversed. There will be no concessions in prosecution reform," adding, "We will handle the Special Act on Administrative Integration and the Local Autonomy Act within the February session. We will prepare meticulous and systematic legislation to maximize the effects of administrative integration and bring tangible changes to the lives of local residents."
He continued, "Although the tariff negotiations, the biggest hurdle for the Lee Jae-myung administration last year, were successfully concluded, the United States has recently been pressuring for tariff reimposition," adding, "I ask opposition lawmakers for in-depth review and swift passage of the Special Act on Investment in the United States."