Lee to discuss Sejong and key state issues in live TV program

By Byun Duk-kun
SEOUL, Nov. 24 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Myung-bak will address the nation on all
issues facing the country, including a controversial river restoration project
and a now-defunct plan to build an administrative capital, in a television
program to be broadcast this week, Lee's office, Cheong Wa Dae, said Tuesday.

The special "Meet the President" program will be aired live by all major local
broadcasters on Friday, according to Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Park Sun-kyoo.
"During the program, a wide range of issues, including the Sejong city issue and
the Four River Restoration Project, as well as other social and economic issues
will be discussed in depth," Park told a daily press briefing.
"(The president) will not avoid any questions," he said, adding the program will
include a panel of three expert discussants and an unspecified number of ordinary
citizens.
The program will run 100 minutes from 10 p.m., according to Park.
The town hall meeting will be the first occasion when President Lee will
personally address the nation on various controversies surrounding many
government programs, especially the river restoration and administrative town
projects.
The main opposition Democratic Party is threatening to boycott a parliamentary
vote on a government bill for next year's budget unless the government halts the
multi-billion-dollar project to build over a dozen dams or basins along the
country's four major rivers.
A government move to significantly reduce the number of government ministries and
offices earlier scheduled to be relocated to a new administrative town, Sejong,
in Chungcheong Province has also prompted strong accusations and criticism from
the opposition and the region.
"President Lee will offer honest and detailed answers to questions regarding
Sejong City and various other issues while trying to offer explanations on issues
that need to be explained and asking for the people's understanding and support
in other areas," the Cheong Wa Dae spokesman said.
bdk@yna.co.kr
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