hankyoreh

President Roh Moo-hyun on Tuesday demanded former Prime Minister Goh Kun apologize for his recent criticism of the president, escalating the unprecedented conflict between the nation's top politicians ahead of next year's presidential election.

Speaking to a Cabinet meeting, Roh said he felt regret and even anger at Goh's failure to express an apology. "I'm aware I have been increasingly criticized by the people. I'm to blame for it and I think (the popular criticism) could be regarded as the cost for democracy. But Goh is not supposed to join the public criticism of me," Roh said.

"I've refrained from responding to outside criticism. But from now on, I will actively react to such criticism and explain my positions."

Last Thursday, the president opened fire by saying in a public address that his appointment of Goh as his government's first prime minister in 2003 was a failed decision. The following day, Goh straightforwardly denounced Roh, saying that the president's remarks were an expression of his "self-contradiction and self-denial." He even indicated that Roh and his Participatory Government have been alienated by the people.

The Roh-Goh conflict came amid the ruling Uri Party's move to disband and create a new party to be led by the former prime minister. Goh is seeking to run for president in next year's election on the ticket of the ruling camp, but Roh is reportedly opposed to the breakup of the governing party as well as to Goh's alliance with the Uri Party's mainstream forces.
Seoul, Dec. 26 (Yonhap News)