Lee sacks ministers to end beef row
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
SOUTH KOREA'S embattled President Lee Myung-Bak yesterday sacked three cabinet ministers to try to end mass protests against US beef imports which have shaken his government.
Lee replaced the agriculture minister, the minister for health and welfare and the education minister, presidential spokesman Lee Dong-Kwan said.
"The reshuffle is aimed at making a new start in an effort to overcome difficulties at home and abroad," the spokesman said, citing surging oil prices which have prompted a government energy-saving drive.
Prime Minister Han Seung-Soo kept his job to maintain stability and give him another chance, the spokesman said, adding: "Difficulties at home and abroad such as soaring oil prices were considered."
Lee's entire cabinet and top aides offered their resignations last month to take responsibility for the beef furore, which caught the new conservative government unaware.
The administration's agreement in April to resume US beef imports, sparked weeks of mass street protests.AFP
Lee replaced the agriculture minister, the minister for health and welfare and the education minister, presidential spokesman Lee Dong-Kwan said.
"The reshuffle is aimed at making a new start in an effort to overcome difficulties at home and abroad," the spokesman said, citing surging oil prices which have prompted a government energy-saving drive.
Prime Minister Han Seung-Soo kept his job to maintain stability and give him another chance, the spokesman said, adding: "Difficulties at home and abroad such as soaring oil prices were considered."
Lee's entire cabinet and top aides offered their resignations last month to take responsibility for the beef furore, which caught the new conservative government unaware.
The administration's agreement in April to resume US beef imports, sparked weeks of mass street protests.AFP
Business Besides Oil
