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The opposition Grand National and Democratic Labor parties on Tuesday called for a special counsel to investigate allegations of illegal campaign contributions by the Samsung Group in 1997 as well as the bugging of leading political, business and social figures by the secret services during the Kim Young-sam administration. However, the ruling Uri Party is happy for regular prosecutors to handle the probe.'
"The National Intelligence Service, prosecution and politicians from both ruling and opposition parties are implicated in the allegations, so it would be appropriate to appoint a special counsel," GNP floor leader Kang Jae-sup said.
But the Uri Party said the NIS and the prosecution should begin the investigation first, and a special counsel or parliamentary investigation, if necessary, should be considered later.
Meanwhile, a high-ranking ruling party officials said party chairman Moon Hee-sang and Cheong Wa Dae had discussed the matter since Monday and concluded that an investigation of the charges against Samsung will be inevitable.
President Roh Moo-hyun on Monday instructed the National Intelligence Service to carry out a prompt investigation of the allegations. He also indicated concern that there could be ¡°issues of balance¡± at stake if other crimes come to light during the course of enquiries.
(englishnews@chosun.com )
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