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President Roh Moo-hyun and the former Uri Party chairmen Chung Dong-young and Kim Geun-tae are in a head-on clash over the party¡¯s dissolution. Chung and Kim want the party dissolved and are threatening to quit if that is impossible. Chung told the Chusun Ilbo by phone that the public ¡°wants the integration of the ruling camp, not the maintenance of the Uri Party.¡± He vowed not to participate in the party¡¯s presidential primary. Kim told reporters Thursday the dissolution of the Uri Party was ¡°necessary.¡± The two are set to leave the party with their followers in late May or early June, which would make for a massive exodus of some 50 lawmakers.
President Roh lashed out at Chung and Kim on the Cheong Wa Dae homepage on Wednesday, accusing them of shirking their responsibility for the party¡¯s malaise. Chung responded the president should respect the principle of keeping out of everyday politics. Cheong Wa Dae officials in turn denounced the two former Uri Party leaders, accusing them of lacking any distinctive political views and sense of responsibility.
(englishnews@chosun.com )
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