Jang: "It Is the Ruling Party That Should Take the First Step Toward National Integration"
Lee Seokyeon, Chairman of the National Integration Committee, met with Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, and requested, "Please follow the righteous path in accordance with the will of the majority of the people." In response, Chairman Jang replied, "Demonstrating a more advanced future than in the past is the true way to apologize and make a clean break."
Chairman Jang received Chairman Lee at the party leader's office in the National Assembly on this day.
Chairman Lee stated, "There are no sanctuaries when it comes to national integration," and added, "However, we cannot and must not move forward together with forces that have destroyed the constitutional order."
He continued, "I want to tell those who have ignored justice and those who sympathize with the forces of rebellion that they cannot speak of justice," and added, "I believe that Chairman Jang and the leadership of the People Power Party fully understand and recognize this constitutional situation and the sentiments of the majority of the people."
He went on to say, "There is no need to worry at all about 'losing your core supporters,'" and suggested, "Please restore the true values of conservatism and take the lead in rebuilding the conservative movement by following the will of the majority of the people."
Chairman Jang stated, "I am one of the 18 People Power Party lawmakers who participated in the vote to lift the December 3 Martial Law last year," and added, "I believe my stance on martial law is sufficiently clear through that action." He explained that even during the party convention, he consistently maintained the position of respecting the ruling of the Constitutional Court.
Chairman Jang said, "We will reflect on what the People Power Party has lacked and carefully consider the direction the people want us to take," and added, "If true change, an apology, and a break with the past are necessary, it means not repeating the mistakes of the past."
Chairman Jang also mentioned the Democratic Party's push for a dedicated court for rebellion cases and the introduction of the crime of judicial distortion, arguing, "When it comes to national integration, it is the majority ruling party, the party in power, that should first reach out, as it holds much more."
He further questioned, "As seen in the Unification Church case, hasn't the special prosecutor's office undermined national unity by wielding a sharp sword against the opposition while remaining silent toward the ruling party?"
In response, Chairman Lee emphasized, "Even while serving in this administration, I have expressed my views candidly regarding the judicial reform bills currently being pursued," and stressed, "My concerns about establishing a dedicated court for rebellion cases and my opposition to the introduction of the crime of judicial distortion are based on my constitutional convictions."
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