The ruling Millenium Democratic Party's Special Committee for Human Rights Chairman Rep. Lee Jong-kul said Wednesday the ruling party will propose that the probe into the activities of the Presidential Truth Commission on Suspicious Deaths continue until March of next year.

According to the current statute that brought the commission into existence last October, the probe is expected to wind up by September.

But with 83 petitions received so far, that deadline will not give the commission ample time to complete their probe.

Upon petition by bereaved family members, the commission is authorized to investigate mysterious deaths and disappearances that may have been linked to the nation's past dictatorial regimes.

It is not empowered to indict those guilty of torture or kidnapping but it is authorized to appeal to the prosecution for indictments of anyone found to be involved in deaths and to announce its findings.