By Shim Jae-yun
Staff Reporter

President Roh Moo-hyun and chief policymakers of the four major political parties on Wednesday agreed to pass an free trade agreement (FTA) signed with Chile within the current session of the National Assembly.

During a meeting at Chong Wa Dae, they also agreed to pass three special bills along with the FTA, regarding the construction of a new administrative capital, promoting balanced national development and speeding up decentralization.

Explaining the FTA with Chile, Rep. Chung Se-kyun of pro-government Uri Party said various steps will be taken to help farmers cope with the changes in the trade environment, including reducing debts and improving farm management.

``I think the Assembly can deal with the free trade pact bill without particular difficulties if we closely consult with farming organizations,’’ Chung said.

To facilitate the construction of the new administrative capital, Roh and party leaders agreed to consider setting up a special committee within the National Assembly.

Rep. Lee Kang-doo of the majority Grand National Party (GNP) said participants decided to deal with the decentralization bills within the regular Assembly session after the opposition parties expressed their positions to the government-proposed draft.

With regard to the dispatch of troops to Iraq, they agreed on the need to continue negotiations.

jayshim@koreatimes.co.kr