Court reinstates President Roh (S. Korea)

Court reinstates President Roh Justices, quash impeachment to end two-month suspension

President Roh Moo-hyun regained control of the nation today as the Constitutional Court overrode his opposition-driven impeachment, clearing the way for him to push forward with his shelved reform agenda.


The president can now re-start his liberal administration after being in limbo for two months following a turbulent first year in office blighted by constant squabbling with the outgoing opposition-controlled parliament.


Announcing the ruling on Korea's first presidential impeachment, Court President Yun Young-chul said, "The Constitutional Court on May 14, 2004 rejects the impeachment of President Roh Moo-hyun."


While admitting the president violated the Constitution by voicing support for the pro-government Uri Party ahead of last month's general elections, he said the charge was not serious enough to warrant his removal from office.


"Roh's breach of the Elections Law falls short of a threat to the Constitutional order. Also, he didn't break public confidence to an extent that his public endorsement (in the presidential election) should be withdrawn. Therefore, no reason exists to justify his impeachment," Yun said.


The court's nine justices dismissed the other two charges against Roh, his alleged corruption and economic mismanagement, saying both were groundless and could not be considered law violations....


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