Funeral committee asks nation to uphold Roh's wish for national unity

SEOUL, May 30 (Yonhap) -- A state-private committee that carried out the funeral
of former South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun expressed gratitude Saturday to the
people for their "condolences and cooperation," while asking the nation to come
together in realizing the ideals Roh struggled for during his life.

Roh, 62, jumped to his death from a cliff in his rural hometown on May 23 amid an
investigation into a bribery allegation. The state funeral was held at an ancient
royal palace in Seoul and attended by some 3,000 dignitaries, including President
Lee Myung-bak, former Presidents Kim Dae-jung and Kim Young-sam, and lawmakers
and diplomats serving in Seoul.
"On behalf of bereaved family and the government, we'd like to express gratitude
to the public for showing deep condolences and cooperation," the statement
released by the committee showed. The committee was co-chaired by Prime Minister
Han Seung-soo and Han Myeong-sook, who served as the nation's first female prime
minister during Roh's presidency.
"Roh devoted his life to promoting democracy and the development of the country.
By accepting values he cherished, the people must unite and make efforts for
national development," it added.
The former head of state should be able to rest in peace as the people have bid
him farewell with an ardent sense of tribute, the committee said, adding that it
prayed for his "beliefs and passion to eternally live within this country.
Millions of mourners have paid their respects at some 140 altars set up
nationwide since last Saturday with authorities lining up riot police in Seoul
and elsewhere to prevent the gatherings from turning into anti-government
demonstrations.
Some one million people have visited the memorial site in Roh's home village
Bongha, where the former president retired after leaving office in February last
year, according to officials of the funeral committee.
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)