S Korea nominates first female PM

President Roh's nominee must be cleared by parliament

South Korea's president has nominated Han Myung-sook to become the country's first female prime minister.

She was named to the largely ceremonial post to replace Lee Hae-chan, who stepped down last week.

Mr Lee was criticised for playing golf on a national holiday rather than overseeing the government's response to a railway strike.

Ms Han's nomination must be approved by parliament. She has been minister for gender equality, and the environment.

She has a reputation as a moderate and is expected to provoke little hostility from opposition parties - factors which influenced Mr Roh's decision to appoint her, an official from his office told Reuters.

The prime minister's job is largely ceremonial in South Korea, where the president holds most important powers.

Parliament must hold a confirmation hearing within 15 days, and a vote within 20 days.

Ms Han is the second woman to be nominated as South Korean prime minister, though the previous nominee, Chang Sang, was rejected by parliament.