(LEAD) CIO denies presidential office’s claim of permitting envoy’s departure to Australia

SEOUL, The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) said Monday it has never allowed Ambassador to Australia Lee Jong-sup to leave the country, rejecting the presidential office's claim that Lee's departure came under the CIO's consent. Lee Jong-sup, who served as defense minister, was appointed as the ambassador to Australia earlier this month while he has been under a CIO investigation for alleged interference in a military probe into the death of a young Marine, who died during a post-flood search operation for civilian victims last year. Lee left for Australia earlier this month to take office after the justice ministry lifted an overseas travel ban on him, stirring criticism from both the ruling and opposition parties. Responding to calls for Lee's return for an investigation, the presidential office on Monday stated it would be "highly inappropriate" for him to return home immediately when no summons of him has been issued or prepared. The presidential office also claimed Le e left for Australia "after not only having his travel ban lifted by the justice ministry but also receiving permission to leave from the CIO." The CIO immediately responded in its press release, saying it has no authority to lift a travel ban and has not granted Lee permission to leave the country in connection with the investigation. The CIO also stated that it had submitted its opinion to the justice ministry that Lee's travel ban should be retained. The presidential office hit back at the CIO for disputing its statement, calling the action "highly inappropriate." "Ambassador Lee voluntarily appeared before the CIO before his departure, underwent 4 hours of questioning and said he would appear again if the next investigation date was set," a senior presidential official told Yonhap News Agency. "The CIO agreed to inform him after determining the next investigation date ... Wasn't that effectively allowing his departure?" The official added the justice ministry lifted the travel ban accordingly and tha t the CIO should "immediately investigate him tomorrow if it is so urgent." Source: Yonhap News Agency