GNP attacks government's inter-Korean policy

Opposition Grand National Party (GNP) president Lee Hoi-Chang lashed out at the administration`s inter-Korean policy August 9, contending that radical forces` propaganda-based anti-American movement and demands for the withdrawal of U.S. forces in Korea, thanks to the Kim Dae-Jung government`s nonchalant and even cooperative attitude, were endangering the traditionally friendly relations between Washington and Seoul as well as their mutual security alliance. He noted that the USFK has played a vital role in securing peace on the Korean peninsula.

Prior to attending the national convention of Korean agricultural managers held at Kyungsang University in Chinju, the opposition leader asserted in a press interview that radical inter-Korean unification policy is deepening social complications and runs the risk of splitting the nation.

Lee went on to say that the deteriorating economic crisis stemming from the Hyundai Group`s liquidity crunch and rising concerns over renewed medical upheaval were a result of the Kim government being overly obsessed with inter-Korean issues and neglecting domestic administration. He stated that the president should therefore focus state management on domestic affairs rather than inter-Korean matters.

The GNP president noted that with the support of the internal administration, the promotion of inter-Korean unification policy is dangerous and will produce few results if national politics are ruptured, the economy collapses and diplomacy falls into disarray. He advised President Kim himself to lead the movement towards the unity of popular power and consensus without placing all the blame on ministers.