By Kim Yon-se
Staff Reporter
Cheong Wa Dae Monday rejected the demand by the Grand National Party (GNP) that an inter-Korean summit be held after the Dec. 19 presidential election or hand over the summit to the next administration.
``The GNP's claim is inconsistent with its earlier stance,'' presidential spokesman Cheon Ho-seon told reporters, stressing the opportunity for closer inter-Korean relations cannot be attained any time.
Describing the main opposition party's demand as ``irrational,'' he said, ``It seems that the GNP's concern lies only in the presidential election.''
His remarks came after GNP Chairman Kang Jae-sup said it would be better for the Roh Moo-hyun administration to give the chance to the next president than to hold the summit in October _ two months ahead of the presidential election.
Kang also suggested that Roh consult with the president-elect over the summit if President Roh Moo-hyun really wants it during his tenure.
Last Saturday, the South and North said they decided to postpone the summit from the scheduled late August to early October, citing the recent floods in North Korea.
Regarding revisions in the detailed schedule for the delay, Cheon said Cheon Wa Dae will be more prudent in setting a variety of guidlines including prior meetings with the North's officials.
Asked if foreigners residing in the South such as multinational investors will be included in the list who will accompany Roh, Cheon downplayed the possibility, saying, ``Though there is no principle to exclude them, we have no plan to include them.''
``It is difficult for the South to call for the North to increase the number of delegates, fixed at 200, while the latter is busy with restoring damage from the floods,'' he said.
The President was quoted by his spokesman in a Cabinet meeting early Monday as saying that relevant ministries should consider concrete measures to give aid to the flood-hit North.
kys@koreatimes.co.kr
