South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun Tuesday nominated Lee Hae-chan, a lawmaker of the ruling Uri Party, as new prime minister, according to spokesman of the Presidential

Office Yoon Tai-young.

Lee, a five-term lawmaker, has previously served as vice mayor of Seoul, chief policymaker of the former ruling Millennium Democratic Party and education minister.

President Roh disclosed Lee's designation as the new premier during a dinner meeting with Uri Party leaders, including chairman Shin Ki-nam and floor leader Chun Jung-bae, at the Presidential Office, the Blue House, on Tuesday evening, Yoon said.

"Roh credited Lee with having a strong sense of responsibility, conviction and initiative and the ability to promote harmony between the ruling party and the Blue House," Yoon said.

The designation needs approval of the National Assembly, which kicked off first session of its new four-year term on Monday.

The presidential office is to present an written application for parliamentary approval of Lee's designation on Wednesday and a confirmation hearing is expected two days later.

Lee was born in Cheongyang, South Chungcheong Province in 1952 and graduated with a degree in sociology from Seoul National University.

South Korean former Prime Minister Goh Kun rendered resignation in late May. Goh had gained much respect for his management of state affairs when Roh was suspended power due to the impeachment.

Goh's resignation came after Roh continually persuaded him to use recommendation right to propose new candidates for Cabinet members.

But Roh had to delay the cabinet reshuffle to mid-June, after the parliament approved his nomination for prime minister. The South Korean president was resumed power on May 14 by the Constitutional Court final ruling.

Previously, Roh planned to designate Kim Hyuck-kyu, former Governor of South Gyeongsang Province and lawmaker-elected of the Uri Party, as new prime minister.

But he gave up the plan in order to prevent confrontation with opposition the Grand National Party (GNP), that has vowed to veto the appointment of Kim.

Kim left the GNP to join the ruling Uri Party just two months before the April general elections despite his three gubernatorial victories on the GNP ticket.