Rep. Kang Ki-kap
DLP Chairman |
By Na Jeong-ju
Staff Reporter
Democratic Labor Party (DLP) Chairman Rep. Kang Ki-kap offered a public apology Monday for swearing at National Assembly Speaker Kim Hyong-o and destroying equipment in Kim's office on Jan. 5.
``I sincerely apologize to the people for causing grave concern,'' Kang said in a press conference. ``I should have been more patient, but I couldn't. It is heartbreaking that I made a deep scar on the hearts of people wishing for a mature democracy.''
Kang's apology came after the governing Grand National Party (GNP) and the Secretariat of the National Assembly sued the lawmaker for his violent acts.
Kang said his behavior was inexcusable, but said he acted as he did because he was angry with ``the GNP ignoring the people and small parties,'' while pushing for the passage of bills.
``I won't apologize to the GNP and the Secretariat. The GNP and Cheong Wa Dae are responsible for the recent political deadlock,'' Kang stated.
Police have asked Kang to appear for questioning, but the lawmaker has rebuffed the request.
The GNP has called for Kang and several other opposition lawmakers to give up their Assembly seats, citing their use of violence during recent brawls with Assembly guards. Opposition lawmakers were occupying Assembly halls to prevent the GNP from railroading bills without negotiating with the opposition.
Kang and his minor party have opposed Korea's free trade agreement with the United States, but the GNP has sought early ratification of the bill.
jj@koreatimes.co.kr
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