Grand National Party leader Suh Chong-won said Friday the opposition would temporarily suspend political criticism of the government, which exceeds normal party activities and that could be interpreted by the people as political attacks, to assist the hosting of a smooth World Cup Finals tournament. In a news conference, Suh said that if necessary the GNP would mobilize its national membership to participate actively as volunteers for the international soccer gala.
He explained the suspension was aimed at not amplifying groundless rumors, but added the prosecution should investigate thoroughly the corruption of President Kim Dae-jung's sons and the government, warning that if it failed to do so, the party would use all means possible to show the people the lack of integrity of those in power.
Commenting on Millennium Democratic Party leader Han Hwa-kap's proposal for a meeting, Suh said he saw no reason not to do so, and called for an early conclusion of National Assembly business including the election of a speaker and committee members. As a majority party, the GNP wants the speaker to be elected from its ranks, while the MDP insists that it is still the ruling party, despite President Kim's resignation from it.
Cheong Wa Dae Spokeswoman Park Sun-sook and MDP Spokesman Chung Bom-ku both welcomed the GNP offer, calling it a constructive move.
(Choi Byong-mook, bmchoi@chosun.com)
