Lee Hoi-chang Open to Dialogue with President Kim

Lee Hoi-chang, the leader of the opposition Grand National Party (GNP), said, "The people have chosen us to be the main opposition party and we will pursue a policy of coexistence based on communication and compromise."

Lee talked about the opposition party's direction in an interview with JoongAng Daily News at the National Assembly building.

"While providing the kind of cooperation that President Kim Dae-jung needs in order to run the country, we (GNP) will also carry out checks and offer criticism when necessary."

On the proposed talks between President Kim and himself, "It's natural and essential for the president and the opposition leader to meet and ease political tensions." Lee added, "However, it's unfair to say that the GNP are coming to these talks with conditions in mind."

Lee is positive on the idea of regularly scheduled talks with the president.

On the issue of revisions to the constitution, Lee made it clear that he is "willing to reconsider a cabinet system in the government and a two-termed presidential post."

"President Kim and the ruling party must accept the fact that the opposition has a majority in the National Assembly and should respect the functions of the assembly." Lee added, "The ruling party should not follow in the footsteps of previous regimes who turned to political tricks and forcibly broke up powerful oppositions. Instead, the ruling party should recognize the present balance of power as being the choice of the people."

On South-North Korean talks, "The government must have principles and know that there are some things that cannot be given up or compromised."

Lee pointed out that issues, including the safety of the people and the identity of the nation should not be on the bargaining table. He also mentioned other principles, such as the mutual respect of the two countries and the assembly's approval of large-scale economic assistance to the North as prerequisites to the talks.

by Choi Sang-yeon