By Kim Sue-young
Staff Reporter
Former President Roh Moo-hyun has denied allegations over the illicit possession of original classified documents at his private house in Bongha, South Gyeongsang Province, officials of the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) said Friday.
Cheong Wa Dae and the governing Grand National Party (GNP) have insisted that Roh violated the law by keeping the classified records from his five-year tenure which ended in late February.
Roh said, ``It is not true. (The presidential office) is lying. I just have a copy of the documents since I have no access to the archive system. Why is that risky?'' according to Rep. Song Young-gil, a member of the party's decision-making Supreme Council.
DP leaders, including Chung Sye-kyun, who was elected chairman in the party's national convention Sunday, paid a courtesy call on the former President at his Bongha house.
In order to see records from his tenure, Roh needs access to the electronic system of the National Archives of Korea (NAK) located in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province.
He reiterated he cannot read the documents for reference if he returns the copies, and called on Cheong Wa Dae to allow him access.
He argued that the presidential office is conducting investigations behind the scenes even though it has vowed to maintain transparency.
In 2004, the Roh administration established an intranet to electronically manage all documents, considered one of his achievements.
Cheong Wa Dae has accused him of installing the system at his residence without permission.
The former President asked for new DP leaders to endeavor to achieve unity of the party and the nation.
He said he has never received a proposal to rejoin the party.