MDP truce puts off talk of new party until after poll

The Millennium Democratic Party's chairman, Han Hwa-kap, and its presidential candidate, Roh Moo-hyun, agreed on Thursday not to discuss organizing a new party until after the Aug. 8 by-elections.

On Monday, a feud developed between Mr. Han and Mr. Roh after Mr. Han said that he should resign as party chairman and Mr. Roh should abandon his candidacy after the by-elections and form a more inclusive party. Mr. Roh said his run for president is firm and that another vote to decide the presidential candidate is unthinkable unless it is under the current MDP.

"We should put our utmost efforts into winning the by-elections," said Mr. Hahn and Mr. Roh. "Discussions on organizing a new party and constitutional reforms should not be discussed before the by-elections."

They said that they had no differences on party unity. "We will closely cooperate with each other on major issues before and after the by-elections," which are scheduled for Aug. 8.

Political observers said that the joint statement has ended the conflict between Mr. Han and Mr. Roh, who lead MDP mainstreamers.

But one MDP member said that the two sides have only agreed to suspend talks to start a new party until after the elections. The MDP party member did not say if Mr. Roh would resign his presidential candidacy.

Mr. Han, who said the MDP would have a better chance of winning the by-elections if it showed a greater will to reform, has softened his demands in an apparent attempt to mollify party members. Close observers said Mr. Roh needs Mr. Han's support to combat MDP factions that want him to resign.

by Rah Hyun-cheol