Lee's PM gets approved

Republic of Korea's parliament approved on Friday the newly inaugurated president's nominee for prime minister, clearing him of a political hurdle less than one week in office and after three of his Cabinet picks quit in disgrace.

Lee Myung-bak, a conservative former construction boss, took office as president on Monday with promises to improve the world's 13th largest economy and rebuild ties with allies the US and Japan.

But he had been unable to form a Cabinet or put his choice for prime minister in office because liberal opponents who control parliament have blocked many of his nominees, saying they were ethically unfit for their jobs.