Roh, Passive Response to Japan`s Contingency Bill

The ruling and opposition parties Sunday continued their tirade against Japan’s parliamentary decision to pass a series of war contingency bills on Friday.

A statement released that day by the ruling Millennium Democratic Party said: "The passage of the bills is contradictory to the opinions of most Japanese people. Questions have been raised over whether Japan really wants peace in Northeast Asia."

The war contingency laws could pave the way for Japan to interpret any foreign threat in a variety of ways, opposition Grand National Party spokesman Park Jong-hee said, demanding an immediate explanation by President Roh Moo-hyun upon his return from Japan.

"The passage of these new laws is a breach of faith among Japan`s neighbors, victims of Japanese colonial rule in the early 20th century. The declaration makes implications that it could wage war again at any time." Lee Sang-hyun, spokesman for the Korea Democratic Labor Party, said. He also demanded that the Roh Moo-hyun government stop its humiliating diplomacy with Japan at once.

Sung-Won Park swpark@donga.com