Opposition warns it will physically block ruling party

SEOUL, June 24 (Yonhap) -- The main opposition Democratic Party (DP) said Wednesday it will block any attempt by the rival ruling party to pass disputed bills, raising the likelihood of another physical clash at the National Assembly.

The renewed warning came as dozens of DP members continued a sit-in at the
Assembly's main hall following the Grand National Party (GNP)'s submission Monday
of a request to open an extra parliamentary session from Friday.
An Assembly session can be convened three days after a request from the president
or one-fourth of all registered legislators.
Last December, the DP and other minor opposition parties used fire extinguishers
and sledge hammers to try to force their way into committee meetings to block the
passage of a Korea-U.S. free trade agreement, media law revisions and other
contentious bills,
"The only reason the GNP is trying to unilaterally convene an Assembly session is
to legislate the media law," Woo Yoon-keun, senior vice floor leader of the
party, said. The government-backed revision seeks to allow private firms and
major newspapers to own broadcasting companies.
Critics argue this would create a media oligarchy, with only a handful of firms
surviving the competition, undermining diversity in views and coverage.
"(The DP) has decided to reject GNP's unilateral calls for opening of Assembly
committees because its claim that the Assembly session is needed to legislate
bills related to the livelihood of ordinary citizens is only a disguise," Woo
added.
Woo said his party will take every possible measure, including physical means, to
block committee meetings without an agreement between the rival parties.
The governing party indicated there was room for compromise Wednesday, saying it
has no intention to railroad the bills.
The Democratic Party has said the GNP must first remove the clause allowing media
cross-ownership before negotiations can begin.