ULD Says It May Break Coalition Ranks

Representative Lee One-ku, floor leader of the United Liberal Democrats, said Thursday the party may cooperate with the opposition Grand National Party on a case-by-case basis during the regular session of the National Assembly, which convenes in September. The United Liberal Democrats are part of the three-party ruling coalition.

"The nation is shrouded in confusion and concerns of the Korean people are more grave than ever," Mr. Lee said. "My party feels the need to voice our own opinions." He said his party could cooperate with the opposition on issues like the parliamentary probe into the tax investigation of newspaper companies, the Mount Kumgang tourism project, and maintaining the National Security Law.

Mr. Lee made the remark after visiting his party's honorary president, Kim Jong-pil, Thursday morning.

"This is not to say that our framework of cooperation with the ruling Millennium Democratic Party will change," Mr. Lee added. He said his party had kept quiet on certain issues out of respect for its ruling coalition partner, but would not continue to do so.

Political analysts said the change in position was aimed at getting the opposition to agree on revising the law on forming negotiation blocs in the Assembly. They added that the conservative party's new stance reflects its desire to strengthen the position of its de facto leader, Mr. Kim, in next year's presidential race.

A party spokesman said Mr. Kim was unhappy with the government's North Korea policy and its tax probe into media firms.

by Kim Jung-ha