Seoul, July 1 (IANS). South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has appealed to maintain party unity amid rising factional tensions within the ruling Democratic Party (DP). He said this during a meeting with former President Moon Jae-in on Wednesday, ahead of the upcoming national conference.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the meeting took place over lunch at the Cheong Wa Dae (President’s Office), where the two leaders discussed the growing competition and internal divisions over party leadership.
President Lee said that the party’s strength and inclusive politics are important for the country. “Unity within the party is very important. The party must be strong from within,” he said. He also said the party should expand its ambit and promote “structural diversity”.
Lee said that unity and diversity are two important aspects that should work together in a balanced manner. He said that the Democratic Party has now become the major political force in the entire country and it should adopt politics representing all sections.
Meanwhile, former President Moon Jae-in also described party unity as the first step towards national unity. He said that progressive forces should move forward unitedly.
“The Democratic Party must unite first,” Moon said. He also said that President Li is the person who can make party unity, broad progressive coalition and national unity possible.
According to the report, growing divisions in the party are being considered a reason for the decline in President Lee’s popularity in recent opinion polls. Some leaders have criticized his policies, saying they deviate from traditional party stances.
The Democratic Party will hold its national convention in August, which is likely to be a contest for new leadership.
Speaking on North Korea policy, President Lee said that he will continue the reconciliation-based policy of former Democratic governments. He said that this is necessary for lasting peace in the Korean Peninsula. Former President Moon also said that the opportunity for dialogue with North Korea can be revived only with patience and a stable security policy.
According to the presidential office, Lee also requested Moon to provide advice and play a role in improving relations with North Korea, which Moon accepted.
–IANS
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