Hahn, "Government should Reconsider Aid to NK"

Han Hwa-gap, chairman of the Millennium Democratic Party (MDP) stressed yesterday that five allegations surrounding Lee Hoi-chang, presidential candidate of the Grand National Party, must be brought to light, noting that the public suspicion against Lee cannot be overlooked.

In his address in the National Assembly, Five allegations are, Han claimed, △raising illegal campaign funds for the 1997 presidential election by mobilizing the National Tax Service, △funneling the budget of now defunct Agency for National Security Planning as campaign fund in 1996 general elections, △covering up the exemption of his sons from military service, △suspicions from the public over three luxurious mansions, and △accepting $200,000 from a jailed businessman.

He also said, "There is no clear line drawn between ruling and opposition and there is only a majority party and minor parity in the National Assembly. The GNP, which holds the larges parliamentary seats, should take lead in creating a political environment where policies, not maneuvers are upheld."

In response to the recent inter-Korean naval clash, Han said the Sunshine Policy engaging the North is the needs of the time. Han also called on the government to reconsider providing government-level assistance to North Korea, with the exception of civilian-level exchange and humanitarian aid, until Pyongyang takes ¡°sincere’’ steps.

He expressed his hope to encourage Lee Hoi-chang to meet with North Korean leaders and discuss ways to keep peace on the Korean Peninsula.

In the meantime, the MDP held a luncheon meeting of its supreme council members after Han gave a speech. The party demanded that Lee resign as lawmaker, saying, "The imperialistic behaviors by Lee have caused tension and stalemate in the National Assembly.

Hahn also renewed the MDP’s demand that rival presidential candidates hold talks to resolve pending political issues.

Jeong-Hun Kim jnghn@donga.com