GNP Slams MDP`s Political Maneuvering

The confrontation between rival parties has intensified over the `anti-Lee` document provided by the Millennium Democratic Party (MDP). The Grand National Party (GNP) demanded on the 25th that the MDP stop political maneuvering and root out corruptions.

In response the MDP decided to carry out a parliamentary investigation and introduce a special council system, both of which are intended to probe five allegations involving Lee Hoi-chang, GNP presidential nominee.

The same day, Suh Chung-won, GNP chairman held an emergency press conference and said, "It is certain that the MDP`s `anti-Lee` document was provided by the prosecution, police, the National Intelligence Service and some civic groups."

He also demanded that △President Kim Dae-jung, MDP presidential candidate Roh Mu-hyun and MDP chairman Hahn Hwa-gap make an official apology, △the MDP reveal the intention of drawing up the document and hold the author of the document accountable, △the government replace Justice, Home Affairs and Culture ministers, and △the presidential office of Chungwadae dismiss presidential aides.

The GNP also decided to form special committees on corruption involving the President`s family and on political maneuvering against it`s standard bearer in a bid to stand against the MDP`s political offensive.

In response, a senior-official of the MDP said, "It is the duty as well as right of a political party to check the background of the presidential candidate of a rival party. The MDP will continue to reveal the truth until the five suspicions against Lee Hoi-chang are dispelled. If necessary, we will make use of a parliamentary investigation and a special council."

Meanwhile, Rep. Choi Byeong-guk of the GNP said, "It is nonsense that conglomerates gave 2.2 billion won to Kim Hong-up, the President`s second son, without expecting returns. A special council and a parliamentary investigation are needed to probe corruptions scandals involving Hong-up."

But Rep. Shin Ki-nam of the MDP continuously raised a suspicion that Lee Hoi-chang tried to cover up the fact that his sons dodged military service. He urged to embark on a parliamentary investigation and a special council system on the suspicion.

Yeon-Wook Jung Hyung-gwon Pu jyw11@donga.com bookum90@donga.com