DP calls for merger with pro-Rho party

Rep. Chung Sye-kyun, chairman of the main opposition Democratic Party, said yesterday that the minority opposition People Participation Party should not compete but join forces with the DP.

"We used to live under the same roof and the policies pursued by the two parties show no particular difference," he said in a debate forum hosted by the Korea Broadcasting Journalists Club.

"For such reasons, I have proposed on numerous occasions since last year that the two parties be merged into a single party."

Chung, however, added that it may not be appropriate to undertake the merger of the parties right now since they are busy with preparations for the June local elections.

On Wednesday, the PPP - a new party launched by politicians loyal to the late President Roh Moo-hyun - unveiled a list of its candidates to compete in the elections, including former Welfare Minister Ryu Si-min, who plans to run for Gyeonggi governor.



"If former President Roh were alive, what would he have said about creating a new opposition party? I believe he would have urged us to get together and stay united," Chung said.

When asked about the recently-formed alliance among five opposition parties for the local elections, Chung said the DP is willing to make sacrifices as the largest opposition party, but having a mutual assistance system means it should not be a one-way street.

"All five participating parties must not make excessive demands which focus on their own political interests and must give way to others at times," he said.

Chung also said claiming at least half of the seats in the June 2 local elections would be seen as a victory for the DP.

Involving the controversy over nominating former Prime Minister Han Myeong-sook, who recently appeared in court for bribery accusations, Chung stressed that he and the party are confident that she will be cleared of charges.

"Han is one of the most powerful candidates. She has a strong support rate and is respected greatly by the people," he said. "I`m very displeased about the current administration`s attempt to mar her reputation."

Pointing out that 10 out of a total of 25 borough chiefs affiliated with the ruling party have faced accusations of corruption, the DP chief said a political party should take responsibility for such a situation.

"I suggest that if the elected official leaves office due to corruption, the party - which the official is affiliated to - must not nominate a candidate in the next by-elections," said Chung. "I propose the ruling party and the opposition parties draft an agreement in a bid to practice responsible politics."

Regarding the Sejong City dispute, which is currently under fierce debate within the Grand National Party, the main opposition party is considering nothing but the original scheme of relocating 13 government agencies to the designated area and a national referendum was out of the question, he said.

(sharon@heraldm.com)



By Cho Ji-hyun