MDP Shows Signs of Split

The Millennium Democratic Party will hold a joint meeting of lawmakers and party chapter heads today to discuss the creation of a new party. But as the confrontation is expected between supporters of Roh Mu-hyun, MDP presidential candidate and his opponents, the meeting will become a turning point to determine whether or not the party is split. Party chapter heads, who oppose Roh, reportedly decided to demand the resignation of Roh and Han Hwa-gap, MDP chairman, and collect signatures if they refuse to step down.

Meanwhile, non-mainstreamers maintained yesterday that they should break away from the MDP to create a new party if Roh and Han refuse to resign.

In response, Roh reconfirmed his position to choose a presidential candidate through a party primary participated by the public in a press conference, which was held yesterday after Roh visited the Independence Park with people who fought for national independence.

He said, "The nation`s politics is going south because politicians do not keep their promises, nor honor results. As a responsible presidential candidate, I cannot accept the demand of non-mainstreamers."

Roh also said that he would stand up against those who made absurd argument, seemingly targeting Rep. Rhee In-je.

Roh is expected to reveal his position on the method of a party primary to elect new presidential candidate and non-mainstreamers` demand for his resignation.

In the meantime, the party`s moderates including party chairman Han and supreme councilor Han Gwang-ok, continuously tried to split the difference between Roh`s supporters and opponents to prevent the split of the party.

Young-Chan Yoon yyc11@donga.com yhchoi65@donga.com