MDP chairman unveils accord on restoring relations with ULD

Kim Joong-Kwon, chairman of the ruling Millennium Democratic Party (MDP), disclosed at a meeting of the party's key post holders on Friday that he had reached a consensus with Kim Jong-Pil, honorary president of the United Liberal Democrats (ULD), on restoring the two parties' coalition relationship when he visited the ULD leader's residence last Friday.

The MDP chairman said that the two concurred on the need to revive the coalition in order to ensure the success of the "government of the people."

Referring to speculation of a constitutional amendment to introduce a cabinet system and talk of a political realignment, the chairman stressed that an MDP-ULD merger was not realistic under the present circumstances, especially if and when their coalition partnership is restored.

With regard to his earlier remarks favoring a two-term, four-year presidential system, MDP chairman Kim noted that a constitutional change was impossible, as such legislation would only require two-thirds of the total National Assembly member's support. He added that now is the time to mobilize all energy to enliven the national economy.

In an earlier interview with Yonhap News Agency, he revealed that he and ULD leader Kim had made a firm commitment to restoring and enhancing the coalition to the level of the earlier alliance.

Meanwhile, acting ULD president Kim Chong-Hoh said in a Yonhap interview that the nation's old guard would have to meet and consult on state affairs, adding that not only an MDP-ULD summit but also meetings between ULD leader Kim (JP), former president Kim Young-Sam, and the opposition Grand National Party leader, Lee Hoi-Chang, would potentially be held.