At the press conference the organizations accused the Lee Myung Bak regime of making desperate efforts to extend OPCON, while pursuing a hardline policy towards the DPRK under the pretext of the "Cheonan" case.

This is nothing but a very disgraceful and hateful action as it once again clearly proves that Lee is depending on the U.S. in every matter, they deplored.

They noted with concern that if the U.S. is allowed to keep reining in the strategy and operation of the south Korean army and leading the anti-DPRK military operations as now, the process for achieving peace and reunification of the Korean Peninsula will be further delayed. They demanded Lee Myung Bak step down.

They urged Lee Myung Bak to opt for properly dealing with the issue of OPCON, though belatedly.

Lee Myung Bak should bear in mind that if he defies the demand of the people, he will be responsible for the stain left on history, they warned, calling upon all the people to hold in check the above-said action of the Lee's forces come what may.