By Yoon Won-sup
Staff Reporter

Grand National Party (GNP) chairwoman Park Geun-hye on Thursday strongly criticized President Roh Moo-hyun for allegedly failing to properly carry out reform plans, thus seriously damaging the nation’s identity.

``We have a series of worrisome events happening one after another where the nation’s identity is damaged and patriotism is suppressed,’’ Park said in a party meeting, indicating her opposition to Roh’s stubborn push for the relocation of the administrative capital, abolition of the anti-communist security law and mass media reform.

The leader of the main opposition party said it is inappropriate that Roh has been sacrificing the nation’s sluggish economy to pursue his envisioned policies.

``(President Roh’s) goal of reform has been side-tracked,’’ Park said. ``I’m very concerned that Roh has taken the wrong direction (with reforms).’’

Park’s remarks drew special attention in the political sphere as she had already declared Thursday her party will consider waging an all-out war against the government and the ruling Uri Party. It is the first time Park has directly attacked President Roh’s policies.

Political analysts pointed out that the political landscape will likely shape up into a more conflicting battlefield between ruling and opposition parties as the main opposition party’s leader showed a de facto declaration of war toward the governing camp.

In response, Shin Ki-nam, chairman of the Uri Party said, ``I am very concerned that the GNP may go backwards.’’

Park’s leadership, which was launched with much expectation from both ruling and opposition parties, is now being questioned due to her argumentative approach, Shin added.

yoonwonsup@koreatimes.co.kr