ID :
27263
Wed, 10/29/2008 - 15:41
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/27263
The shortlink copeid
Lee orders gov't to shift to emergency footing
By Yoo Cheong-mo
SEOUL, Oct. 29 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Myung-bak said on Wednesday that the presidential office and other government bodies should all shift to emergency footing in the face of the global financial crisis.
"This is an emergency situation. Not only the parliament, but also Cheong Wa Dae
and the administration should renew their determination to fight the economic
crisis," Lee was quoted as saying in a meeting with senior presidential
secretaries.
"The (Korean) people are now undergoing severe pains and difficulties in the
aftermath of the U.S.-originated financial crisis. At a time like this, civil
servants should set a good example for the public."
The president then called on government officials to make more pain-sharing
efforts, saying that public sector salary freeze for next year and the use of
hybrid compact cars by high-ranking officials, for instance, are not sufficient.
"Despite the worldwide economic difficulties, Korean companies have performed
well in overseas markets, contributing to the imminent swing of the current
account balance to the black. If we cope with this crisis with extraordinary
determination and make thorough preparation for the future, the crisis could turn
into a big opportunity for us," the president was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, spokesman Lee said Cheong Wa Dae has no immediate plan to replace
Finance Minister Kang Man-soo, who has come under mounting criticism for what
opposition parties and investors claim is string of inconsistent policies and
misguided remedies for currency market instability.
Earlier on Wednesday, Lee's government and the ruling Grand National Party (GNP)
disclosed a plan to establish a rapid response system to address the unfolding
global financial crisis after Prime Minister Han Seung-soo presided over a
government-GNP policy consultation meeting.
"Government and ruling party officials agreed to swiftly cope with the economic
crisis through cooperation and discussed details of the government's contingency
policy package due early next month," said Kim Wang-ki, the prime minister's
spokesman.
SEOUL, Oct. 29 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Myung-bak said on Wednesday that the presidential office and other government bodies should all shift to emergency footing in the face of the global financial crisis.
"This is an emergency situation. Not only the parliament, but also Cheong Wa Dae
and the administration should renew their determination to fight the economic
crisis," Lee was quoted as saying in a meeting with senior presidential
secretaries.
"The (Korean) people are now undergoing severe pains and difficulties in the
aftermath of the U.S.-originated financial crisis. At a time like this, civil
servants should set a good example for the public."
The president then called on government officials to make more pain-sharing
efforts, saying that public sector salary freeze for next year and the use of
hybrid compact cars by high-ranking officials, for instance, are not sufficient.
"Despite the worldwide economic difficulties, Korean companies have performed
well in overseas markets, contributing to the imminent swing of the current
account balance to the black. If we cope with this crisis with extraordinary
determination and make thorough preparation for the future, the crisis could turn
into a big opportunity for us," the president was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, spokesman Lee said Cheong Wa Dae has no immediate plan to replace
Finance Minister Kang Man-soo, who has come under mounting criticism for what
opposition parties and investors claim is string of inconsistent policies and
misguided remedies for currency market instability.
Earlier on Wednesday, Lee's government and the ruling Grand National Party (GNP)
disclosed a plan to establish a rapid response system to address the unfolding
global financial crisis after Prime Minister Han Seung-soo presided over a
government-GNP policy consultation meeting.
"Government and ruling party officials agreed to swiftly cope with the economic
crisis through cooperation and discussed details of the government's contingency
policy package due early next month," said Kim Wang-ki, the prime minister's
spokesman.
