The Presidential Staffs` Responsibilities Are Questioned

The conflicts concerning the appointment of Han Kwang-Ok as a new Chairperson of the New Millennium Democratic Party among the sects of the ruling party are on relaxed terms with others for the present time by the approval of the his appointment in the executive committee of the party yesterday.

However, Rep. Kim Keun-Tae the Supreme council member has not withdrawn his request for the dissolution of the Donggyo-dong circle. In addition, the responsibilities of the Presidential staffs, which seemed in fact targeted the Donggyo-dong circle and the Cheong Wa Dae secretary team, were raised at the executive meeting of the party.

Rep. Kim argued that the Donggyo-dong circle consider ``that the people`s government is only for their party. If they do not stop their monopolization, they will lose the support of the people forever.``

At the executive meeting of the party, Supreme Council member Kim requested for taking a vote for the approval of Mr. Han Kwang-Ok as a new Chairperson.

Lee Hae-Chan, former chairperson of the Policy making Committee suggested the reformation of the Presidential aides, stating ``Both the party and Cheong Wa Dae are responsible for the current crisis. But Cheong Wa Dae has never taken its responsibilities.`` He also added that ``the Chief secretary to the President should function as a partner of the `Big Three` He should not be seen as a puppet. The Presidential aides who provide wrong information to the President must be changed.``

However, Rep. Lee Hoon-Pyong a member of Donggyo-dong circle refuted, ``the Donggyo-dong circle is only a name entitled by the press to the people who have suffered together through the democratization history. We have been very prudent and tried to stay away. Then, what else they want us to do?``

Meanwhile, the new Chairperson Han Kwang-Ok revealed his plan to lead the party with the principle of reformation and reconciliation. Chairperson Han will call a Supreme Council meeting today to discuss the following appointment of the party`s officials.

Kim Chang-Hyuk chang@donga.com