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South Korea's parliamentary speaker expressed hopes on Monday that the Constitutional Court will quickly review the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye to help put the country back on a normal track.
The National Assembly passed the impeachment motion Friday over a corruption scandal involving her and her long-time confidante. The court now has up to 180 days to determine whether or not to endorse the impeachment.
"We need to stabilize state affairs and the lives of the people. The paralysis of state affairs should not last long," National Assembly Speaker Chung Sye-kyun said, adding he expects the court to come to a wise solution in the near future.
Chung also called on lawmakers to lead national efforts to root out corruption and establish a new state system.
"The people have been asking for not only the impeachment, but the establishment of a new South Korea," Chung said. Lawmakers should take the first step by dropping their privileges, he added.
Chung said he will also faithfully play his role as the parliamentary speaker, adding South Korea is facing challenges with the outbreak of the avian influenza, as well as a changing political atmosphere with the launch of a new administration in Washington.
The speaker also said he does not wish to delay a meeting with Acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn, adding the two will have a deep discussion on pending political issues within this week.
Chung also said the parliament must seek a revision of the Constitution.
"The revision is a long-term task that is even more important than the presidential election," Chung said, adding the existing system in which the president solely holds great power should be changed.
Concerning the on-going feud within Saenuri, Chung said its lawmakers should still focus on their role as ruling party members regardless of the political issues. (Yonhap)
