ULD head backs thorough probe of election funding scandal

It was confirmed on Tuesday that President Kim Dae-Jung and Kim Jong-Pil, honorary president of the United Liberal Democrats (ULD), agreed that the alleged election funding scandal involving the Agency of National Security Planning (NSP) and the former ruling party should be thoroughly investigated and measures worked out to prevent similar occurrences.

In announcing the accord to reporters, the ULD head also said that the diversion of budget funds by the former NSP to finance election campaigns by the ex-ruling New Korea Party (NKP) was unacceptable and that the incident should be investigated to the fullest extent possible.

The ULD leader said that he and his party fully back President Kim's firm determination to shed light on the scandal.

He went on to say that when the truth is uncovered, those involved in the scam should be held accountable and the money returned to the national coffers. He added that it would be difficult to punish those who funneled the money into the election campaigns unless the route could be traced.