The two main rival parties may form a four-member negotiating group to narrow their differences on outstanding issues, with the ruling Saenuri Party saying that it will decide on the matter in three to four days.

The suggestion, proposed by Democratic Party chairman Rep. Kim Han-gil at a meeting with Saenuri Party leader Rep. Hwang Woo-yea, comes as the two sides seek a way out of months-long parliamentary deadlock.

If agreed to, the group will also include Saenuri floor leader Rep. Choi Kyung-hwan and his DP counterpart Rep. Jun Byung-hun as well as the two parties’ leaders.

Under the DP’s suggestion, the negotiation group will focus on three subjects including the issue of launching a special counsel investigation into the allegations surrounding the National Intelligence Service and a special parliamentary committee for orchestrating its reform.

So far the main opposition’s call for a special counsel investigation into the NIS’ election interference has been met with strong resistance from the Saenuri Party.

The ruling party has been opposing the suggestion, citing the ongoing investigation by the prosecution while accusing the DP of attempting to deny the result of the Dec. 19 presidential election.

Along with election-related issues, contested bills and the government’s budget plan, the matter of abolishing party nominations for provincial elections would also be placed under the four-man negotiating group.

By Choi He-suk (cheesuk@heraldcorp.com)