[Editorial] Sudden Shift in Roh`s View on Sunshine Policy

Roh Mu-hyu, presidential candidate of the Millennium Democratic Party, has strongly advocated the Sunshine Policy of the Kim Dae-jung administration to the extent to say that he would continue to pursue the policy in the post Kim Dae-jung era. During the local elections last month, he went far as to say that it was O.K to make a prey of other issues for the sake of the success in South-North dialogue.

But remarks he recently made were a departure from his previous position. At a press conference with Japanese journalists on the 23rd, Roh said that the Sunshine Policy showed some problems in the course of execution and hit the limit. He also said that its title should be renamed. In the past, His argument goes along with that of those who have criticized the government`s engagement policy toward North Korea, which Roh, himself, strongly condemned in the past. People are wondering why Rho suddenly adjust the chart of his course. The political circle think that it is his political plot to set himself apart from President Kim by criticizing a policy, which symbolizes the incumbent government.

Most worrisome is that he doesn`t seem to set a firm position on North Korea. a firm position toward North Korea is one of the most important virtues to have for a person who wants to become a leader of a divided nation.

It is not desirable that his view on North Korea, which should not be swayed by political interests, can be changed so easily without any specific explanation.

The presidential office of Chungwadae was bewildered with Roh`s criticism over the Sunshine Policy especially because Roh is the one who is supposed to succeed policies and directions of the incumbent government.

Witnessing the MDP presidential hopeful crossing the party line, The public are wondering what the MDP`s party line really is. The MDP is urged to clarify its position on North Korean issues.

After Roh made such remarks, his chief of staff made an excuse, saying, "Roh just meant to further promote the Sunshine Policy," What is that supposed to mean?

Whenever Roh makes a verbal blunder, his staff makes an excuse, which will possible give the public negative impression. Roh is urged to explain the reason behind the shift of his views on the Sunshine Policy as well as clarify his position on North Korea so the public can understand.