Former UN chief urges end to political wrangling in homecoming speech

By Park Sae-jin Posted : January 12, 2017, 20:59 Updated : January 12, 2017, 20:59

[Namgung Jin-woong = timeid@ajunews.com]


Ban Ki-moon, a top contender in South Korea's presidential election, called for a change in South Korea's political paradigm, urging politicians to end their wrangling and heal a social division, as he returned home Thursday after completing a 10-year tenure as UN secretary general.

He promised to become "a facilitator for the brighter future of young people" by using his experiences and insights he has built as UN chief.

"I will be with you to sacrifice myself for our nation," Ban said in a speech before hundreds of supporters who have gathered in the lobby of an airport west of Seoul to welcome his homecoming.

"It's time for a change of politics, not for a turnover of government," Ban said, promising to decide on his candidacy after listening to the voices of voters. "It will not take a long time for me to make a decision."

Without elaborating on his political life, he urged politicians to put aside partisan interests to heal a social division and respect public aspirations which have been expressed at candle-lit protests against President Park Geun-hye.

"There should be no more (fight for) supremacy and vested rights," he said, adding South Korea is now in an "overall crisis" due to the polarization of wealth, ideological and regional conflicts, and political wrangling.

President Park was impeached in parliament on December 9 for her role in a corruption scandal involving her arrested crony, Choi Soon-sil. If the constitutional court confirms her impeachment, an election should be held within two months.

Ban has yet to declare his candidacy, but South Korea's political circle regards his homecoming as the start of a presidential race. In opinions polls, Ban has been back and force battling with Moon Jae-in, a strong opposition candidate.
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