MDP to Introduce Independent Council

Roh Moo-hyun, the presidential candidate of the Millennium Democratic Party is reported to hold a press conference on July 2 and announce a set of measures to root out corruption as part of its effort to distance from President Kim Dae-jung.

Sources close to Roh said on the 27th, "Roh is planning to announce a specific anti-corruption program and put an end to the controversy over its responsibility for a series of corruption scandals involving the incumbent administration."

Included in Roh`s anti-corruption program will be the introduction of an independent council system on a temporary basis and the establishment of an investigation body charged with looking into corruption cases involving senior government officials and family members of the president. The program will also demand that top government officials undergo confirmation hearings, and that family members of the president be obliged to reveal their property.

Roh and his aides are allegedly considering whether and how to announce his position on the departure of Rep. Kim Hong-il, President Kim`s eldest son, the dissolution of the Kim Dae-jung Peace Foundation for the Asia-Pacific Region and holding presidential aides accountable for their involvement in corruption scandals.

Aide to Roh said, "Rho will discuss current political issues including Rep. Kim`s departure from the party with the party leadership. If Roh decides to announce his position on the matters, he will do it in a stern manner."

Meanwhile, MDP`s anti-corruption task force is expected to ask the party leadership in a Supreme Council meeting on the 28th to persuade Rep. Kim to leave the party, ask President Kim to hold his secretaries accountable for their involvement in corruption cases and dissolve his private think tank.

Rep. Shin Ki-nam, chairman of the task force, said, "If the Supreme Council does not approve the demands, the team will take every possible steps including holding a press conference.

Jeong-Hun Kim Hyung-gwon Pu jnghn@donga.com bookum90@donga.com