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President Lee Myung-bak has rejected demands for the dismissal of Police Commissioner Eo Cheong-soo, who has incensed Buddhists by appearing in a poster for an evangelizing event in a climate of what they see as religious bias. Lee will reportedly reiterate his determination to prevent the recurrence of religious bias during a meeting of his Christian-dominated Cabinet on Tuesday, expressing regret to Buddhists but stopping short of a full apology.
A Cheong Wa Dae official said Lee decided to allow Police Commissioner Eo to retain his post considering that he has not been directly involved in any measures related to religious bias and has apologized several times. The official added Lee felt police morale might suffer if he dismissed Eo. "If Buddhists agree, Eo will immediately pay a call on Buddhist leaders¡± including the Ven. Jigwan, executive chief of the Jogye Order, ¡°and express his deep regret,¡± the official said.
The government will also initiate a revision of the civil servant code which will prohibit all government employees from discriminating against any specific religion in the course of their duties.
(englishnews@chosun.com )
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