The proposed construction of the airport was one of the typical commitments made by Lee Myung Bak during his "presidential" election in a bid to elicit the mind-set of the people in the Ryongnam area.

The authorities, however, failed to choose even the site of the airport though three years have passed since they came to power. On March 30, they made public the decision to nullify the project.

They had long argued about as to where to build the airport: Milyang in South Kyongsang Province or Kadok Island in Pusan.

The mayor of Pusan clarified that he could not admit the "government's" decision while the mayor of Taegu demanded Lee Myung Bak apologize for deceiving people.

The inhabitants in the Ryongnam area denounced the authorities for fostering conflict between areas, urging the "government" to take immediate measures.

Civic organizations clarified that they would conduct not only actions for denouncing the present "government" but a massive campaign for defeating candidates from the "Grand National Party" in the by-election of "National Assemblymen" due on April 27.

"National Assemblymen" from the GNP in the Ryongnam area said they could hardly repress their indignation at the wrong decision made by the authorities.

They demanded in group Lee Myung Bak make an apology, the party leadership step down and Chongwadae reorganize itself.

The Democratic Party denounced the present authorities for pressing for the project for improving the four big rivers while throwing away their election commitments like a pair of old shoes.