Second 'joint consultative' talks between acting pres., rival party leaders canceled as DP calls them off

At the National Assembly.

The main opposition party held back from partaking in planned talks on state affairs with the government and ruling party amid fresh dispute over acting President Choi Sang-mok's failure to appoint justice nominee Ma Eun-hyuk to the Constitutional Court.

While announcing its decision the Democratic Party reiterated its call on Choi to promptly appoint Ma given the recent court verdict that ruled Choi had violated the Constitution by refraining from appointing Ma.

Meanwhile both the acting President's office and the ruling People Power Party expressed their "deep regret" and emphasized the importance of joint "discussions on people's livelihoods and the economy."

National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik for his part called on the two sides to undertake their respective duties.

The four-way talks were scheduled to start this Friday afternoon with pension reform on the agenda among other matters.