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South Korea's parliament endorses prime minister

Other News Materials 29 February 2008 12:28 (UTC +04:00)

(dpa) - South Korea's parliament Friday approved the appointment of veteran diplomat Han Seung Soo as prime minister of newly inaugurated President Lee Myung Bak.

The liberal-controlled legislature, which has blocked many of Lee's nominees, endorsed Han by a vote of 174 to 94.

Conservative Lee, sworn into office Monday, has been unable to form a cabinet with the parliament confirming only 11 of 15 minister nominees and demanding the withdrawal of Health Minister-designate Kim Soung Yee.

Han, 72, a special envoy on climate change for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, has also served as ambassador to the US, foreign minister, and president of the UN General Assembly.

The post of prime minister is largely ceremonial with little decision-making power.

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