GNP leader congratulates departing president

Main opposition Grand National Party (GNP) president Lee Hoi-Chang telephoned President Kim Dae-Jung on Thursday to congratulate him for winning the 2000 Nobel Peace Prize. Kim will leave for Oslo, Norway, on Friday to attend the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony.

According to GNP spokesman Kwon Chul-Hyeon, Lee offered Kim congratulations for winning the Nobel Prize and wished him a nice trip. Kim thanked Lee and promised to return in good health.

The GNP president also sent flowers to Chong Wa Dae through his chief secretary Chung Tae-Yoon and arranged for GNP secretary general Kim Ki-Bae to see off the President at the airport when he leaves.

Earlier in the day, GNP president Lee, meeting with three key party post holders, said that there were pros and cons to Kim`s trip but that he deserved praise for winning the award.

GNP spokesman Kwon noted that President Kim`s winning of the Nobel Peace Prize was as cause for celebration because it would enhance the nation`s international standing.

But he made a critical statement as well, saying that in view of the nation¡¯s economic plight, Kim would have been better advised to make plans to return home immediately after the award ceremony. Kwon went on to express regret that Kim had decided to visit Sweden after receiving the prize.

Kwon questioned Chong Wa Dae¡¯s claim that the itinerary for Kim`s trip had been shortened and the scale of his entourage curtailed, pointing out that the president would spend seven days overseas along with his 54-member entourage.

Song In-Soo issong@donga.com