``Newspaper Tax Audit Is Administration`s Set Up,``

In relation to the Hankyoreh Newspaper article written by senior editor, Sung Han-Yong, titled `Why Did DJ Fail In Resolving District Conflicts?`, which described the newspaper tax investigations as a strike against the `Big 3` newspapers, the Grand National Party criticized, ``All the administration`s talk about fair taxes, freedom of the press, and fair discussion were all lies.``

However, Presidential Chief Press Secretary, Oh Hong Keun stated, ``The content of the articles are different from the facts.``

A statement written by GNP Special Committee on Emergency Measures For Protection of Freedom of Press argues, ``Mr. Sung`s article shows that President Kim`s administration planned the newspaper tax investigations from the very beginning.``

The statement adds, ``Since our party`s position that this suppression of the press was initiated by the President and executed by the Chief Secretary has been proved right, Cheong Wa Dae must not offer any more excuses or make false statements.``

In a separate comment, party spokesperson Kwon Chul-Hyun urged, ``The administration began the investigations from an emotional reaction to the reports that criticized regional favoritism and state of the economy, and the newspaper owners were arrested for `impertinence charge` The suppression of the press must end as of now and the sentences for the press owners must be passed after they have been released.``

In response, Democratic Party spokesperson Chun Yong-Hak said, ``Using a political affairs reporter`s article as a basis for making factual statements is exaggerated and far-fetched. As the tax investigations are over and the trial is proceeding, the court will make a decision in the near future.``

Song In-Soo issong@donga.com