Uri Party Chairman Chung Gives Speech at the National Assembly

“The public hearing questioning the presidential election campaign funds is an apparent interference with the prosecution’s current investigation as well as a misuse of parliamentary power,” said Uri Party Chairman Chung Dong-young on February 6. “Instead of this hearing, which will bring about political strife, I strongly suggest a large-scale TV discussion on how to revive the people’s economy.”

In a chairman speech at the National Assembly’s negotiation body meeting, he appealed, “We have to stop the politics for the sake of political strife and compete for the people’s economy.”

“The chairmen of the two oppositional parties have mentioned the constitutional amendment and the impeachment of the president as if they have previously agreed upon it,” added Chung, warning, “Any group insisting on an amendment to seize the political regime will be faced with strong resistance by the people.”

Chairman Chung also commented in regard to the fact that the certificate of deposit (CD), which was provided by GNP Rep. Hong Jun-pyo as a proof of illicit secret funds, was found to have been fabricated, saying, “We have to close down on the irresponsible acts of political strife, created by cowardly and groundless disclosures behind the representatives’ immunity rights.” He also insisted, saying, “The Grand National Party (GNP) has to be responsible for this as the largest party in Korean politics as well as Rep. Hong himself.”

“If our party becomes the major party within the Assembly, we’ll first enact the legislation of the Special Law of Redemption of Illicit Funds to the National Treasury in the 17th National Assembly session,” said Chung. “We will return all the illicit funds that were raised during the last presidential election in our party.”

“The last assignment of the 16th National Assembly session is to pass the bills which respectively ratify the Korea-Chile FTA and the troop dispatch to Iraq. The Assembly should show their sense of responsibility now,” said Chung, emphasizing on the necessity of prompt passing of the two bills.

Young-Chan Yoon yyc11@donga.com