Party Welcomes 3 Defectors

The minor United Liberal Democrats held a welcoming ceremony Friday for the three legislators who defected from the ruling camp to join their ranks.

With about 300 party members and officials present, Honorary President Kim Jong-pil ushered in the legislators, dismissing criticism coming from both within and without about the defection of the three lawmakers.

"We should not discuss the defection of the three any more, as they have staked their political life and integrity on the move," Mr. Kim said.

The three legislators － Reps. Bae Ki-sun, Song Sok-chan and Song Young-jin － declared that "we have come to join the United Liberal Democrats to revive the country, as we pledged to do three years ago."

The defection is said to resurrect the coalition between the ruling Millennium Democratic Party and the United Liberal Democrats, which broke down when President Kim Dae-jung failed to implement the parliamentary system of government for the general elections last year.

This pledge was given in return for the ULD's support; it can attract voters in its power base, namely the Chungchong provinces.

The ceremony lacked the festive mood of the full-fledged celebration it was supposed to be because the party failed to persuade its vice president, Kang Chang-hee, to accept the three.

He has said the sudden defection is not appropriate.

With the defection, the party met the minimum of 20 seats to obtain parliamentary negotiating status in the 273-seat National Assembly. If Mr. Kang is officially expelled, the status will be lost.

by Kim Jung-ha