Lee Myung-bak Speaks Out

[Anchor Lead]

Former President Lee Myung-bak has spoken out for the first time concerning various allegations of misconduct under the watch of his administration. He criticized the ruling camp's attempt to clean up misdeeds of former governments as "retrogressive" and warned that such a move wouldn’t be successful but hurt the national interest.

[Pkg]

Former President Lee Myung-bak has spoken out about the incumbent governing party's drive to eliminate past ills surrounding former governments, as he also conveyed greetings for the Chuseok holiday. He said he was observing developments unfolding in the name of 'cleaning up past misdeeds' amid the security and economic crisis facing the nation. He blasted the move as an "retrogressive attempt." He said such a move will harm national interest and also won't be successful. He defined the move as "political retribution" saying the practice must be rooted out. His remarks are seen as his expressed view that the various allegations are different from the facts. The former president's camp said that on the occasion of Chuseok holiday greetings, Lee has expressed his modest stance regarding reckless allegations raised by the current government. The former leader also warned of an additional response if the onslaught continues by saying that there will come a time when he has the opportunity to speak to the public. Regarding Lee's statement, the presidential office said it had nothing particular to mention. The main opposition Liberty Korea Party also reserved words saying it was responding to the campaign of cleaning up past ills on the party level. The ruling Democratic Party meanwhile praised the campaign as called for by the public and a shortcut to uplifting national prestige. The People's Party called for caution saying remarks by former President Lee can stir up political strife.