GNP Leader Reshuffles 12 Key Party Positions

The opposition Grand National Party on Wednesday reshuffled 12 key party posts and formed the National Reform Committee, a core policymaking body that will manage the party's bid for the Blue House in 2002.

Lee Hoi-chang, the party president, retained Representative Kim Ki-bae as secretary-general and Representative Kwon Chul-hyun as party spokesman. Floor leader was left open and will be decided at a party caucus Monday.

Mr. Lee named Rep. Kim Mahn-je, a former deputy prime minister for economy, as chief policymaker. Representative Yim Tae-hee and Representative Chun Jae-hee, the former mayor of Gwangmyeong city, were also named as policymakers. Party insiders said Wednesday's appointments consolidated Mr. Lee's leadership of the party. The legislators who kept their positions and the newly appointed policymakers are all very loyal to the opposition leader.

Representative Kim Deog-ryong, Park Geun-hye, Lee Bu-young and Sohn Hak-kyu - all vocal opponents of some of Mr. Lee's policies - were not tapped for major party posts.

The opposition leader appointed himself chairman of the committee. There had been speculation that former Deputy Prime Minister Nam Duck-woo would head the committee.

Mr. Lee named a number of seasoned campaigners, including Representatives Park Kwan-yong and Lee Sang-deuk, to head the various reform subcommittees.

by Ko Jung-ae