ID :
36551
Fri, 12/19/2008 - 20:27
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/36551
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Economic crisis dampens Lee's election win anniversary
By Yoo Cheong-mo
SEOUL, Dec. 19 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Myung-bak, celebrating the first
anniversary of his presidential election victory on Friday, said he remains
strongly committed to making South Korea a first-rate advanced country by
implementing sweeping reforms in education, corporate and political circles and
establishing the rule of law.
Speaking at an anniversary ceremony hosted by the ruling Grand National Party
(GNP), Lee said that the severe economic difficulties were preventing him and his
fellow party members from openly celebrating the anniversary.
"Looking back on the past year, the ruling party and I have a lot to say... Today
is a very celebratory day. But now is not the right time to tell everything. This
is time to act," Lee said at the ceremony held at a convention center annexed to
Gimpo Airport. The ceremony drew about 1,000 party members from across the
nation.
"We have to do all we can to help speed up economic recovery. All countries
worldwide are required to create a wholly new global order after overcoming the
crisis. There are too many things to change. We will also confront all obstacles
directly," said the president.
Lee won a landslide victory in last year's presidential election by garnering
48.7 percent, or 5.3 million, of the valid votes, despite being hampered by
corruption claims. With Lee's victory, the GNP returned to power after a decade.
But Lee's public approval rating has plummeted to just over 20 percent in the
past year due to the outbreak of fierce public protests over U.S. beef imports,
economic policy blunders and the ensuing outbreak of a financial crisis.
Apparently aware of unfavorable public opinion, Lee urged all party members to
assume greater responsibility for preparations for the national advancement.
"I'm determined to get rid of corruption and irregularities in all fields,
including education, corporate management and politics, for the rest of my term.
I'll also firmly establish the rule of law and higher ethical standards in order
to develop our nation into a genuinely first-rate state," said the president.
"I will entirely devote myself to the national development for the next four
years and two months so that I can retire honorably," he said. Lee's five-year
term ends in early 2013.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)
SEOUL, Dec. 19 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Myung-bak, celebrating the first
anniversary of his presidential election victory on Friday, said he remains
strongly committed to making South Korea a first-rate advanced country by
implementing sweeping reforms in education, corporate and political circles and
establishing the rule of law.
Speaking at an anniversary ceremony hosted by the ruling Grand National Party
(GNP), Lee said that the severe economic difficulties were preventing him and his
fellow party members from openly celebrating the anniversary.
"Looking back on the past year, the ruling party and I have a lot to say... Today
is a very celebratory day. But now is not the right time to tell everything. This
is time to act," Lee said at the ceremony held at a convention center annexed to
Gimpo Airport. The ceremony drew about 1,000 party members from across the
nation.
"We have to do all we can to help speed up economic recovery. All countries
worldwide are required to create a wholly new global order after overcoming the
crisis. There are too many things to change. We will also confront all obstacles
directly," said the president.
Lee won a landslide victory in last year's presidential election by garnering
48.7 percent, or 5.3 million, of the valid votes, despite being hampered by
corruption claims. With Lee's victory, the GNP returned to power after a decade.
But Lee's public approval rating has plummeted to just over 20 percent in the
past year due to the outbreak of fierce public protests over U.S. beef imports,
economic policy blunders and the ensuing outbreak of a financial crisis.
Apparently aware of unfavorable public opinion, Lee urged all party members to
assume greater responsibility for preparations for the national advancement.
"I'm determined to get rid of corruption and irregularities in all fields,
including education, corporate management and politics, for the rest of my term.
I'll also firmly establish the rule of law and higher ethical standards in order
to develop our nation into a genuinely first-rate state," said the president.
"I will entirely devote myself to the national development for the next four
years and two months so that I can retire honorably," he said. Lee's five-year
term ends in early 2013.
ycm@yna.co.kr
(END)
