GNP President Lee Reconfirms `Impeachment of Prosecutor General and NIS Head`

The Grand National Party President Lee Hoi-Chang, who is now visiting Finland, said on Nov. 27, concerning demands for the National Intelligence Service Head Shin Kun and the Prosecutor General Shin Seung-Nam to resign, "The government and the ruling party are making them pretexts for a political dispute rather than doing according to people`s opinion."

Lee said at a press meeting, "The government and the ruling party are forgetting what they meant when they vowed to listen to the people`s voice after the October 25 bi-elections?"

He continued, "That the Prosecutor`s Office covered up a corruption case of the NIC officials is an act of disturbing the nation`s basis orders, and thus cannot be overlooked. I hereby demand that it shouldn`t be made a matter of political dispute.", emphasizing that there will be no change in pushing forward the impeachment of NIS Head Shin and Prosecutor General Shin.

Lee stressed in particular, "President Kim Dae-Jung`s resignation as president of the New Millennium Democratic Party is of significance only when it is followed by reforming the management of national affairs, but no attempts nor sincere wills to do so are being observed." referring to the eradication of illegality and corruption, the reform of personnel organization and the establishment of the neutral Cabinet as examples of reforming the management of national affairs.

He also mentioned in regard to a party leaders talk with President Kim, "I am not considering to have it after my return regardless of the time."

In-Soo Song issong@donga.com