S. Korea acting president open to meet parties individually

Acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn said Thursday he is open to meeting all political parties individually in response to the opposition bloc's recent offer of talks on state affairs.

Political parties and the government have been seeking to open a consultative group to normalize state affairs long paralyzed by the influence-peddling scandal, which led to President Park Geun-hye's impeachment last week.

The opposition bloc, however, has shunned consultations with the ruling Saenuri Party, which is currently led by Park loyalists. The parties said they are willing to negotiate with Saenuri only after it picks new leadership.

Hwang said in a statement that close ties between the government and the National Assembly are crucial to overcoming the national crisis. The remark apparently reflects his willingness to include Saenuri in the discussion.

"The government will seek to stabilize state affairs by maintaining close ties and communication with the parliament," Hwang said.

Political pundits said Hwang intended to take an upper hand in relations with the opposition parties emboldened by Park's impeachment and the ruling party's troubles.

By proposing an individual meeting, Hwang also hopes to limit the opposition parties from making a unified voice, they said.

The opposition parties, however, were divided over Hwang's request.

"We originally intended to meet the acting president with other party leaders to seek cooperation," the main opposition Democratic Party said, declining to accept Hwang's request.

The splinter People's Party, however, said it would have no choice but to hold a separate meeting if the formation of a consultative group is delayed due to Park loyalists.

Amid the dispute, Hwang continued to hold governmental meetings, actively performing his role as the acting president.

In a meeting with Cabinet ministers, Hwang said the government will closely watch the impact of the latest interest rate hike in the United States.

"The government will keep track of the hike's impact on the country's households, firms and financial industries," Hwang said.

Hwang noted global credit rating firms recently observed that the South Korean economy is running normally, and will overcome the current uncertainties caused by the political crisis in the near future.

(YONHAP)