Lee calls for national unity to weather economic crisis

By Yoo Cheong-mo
SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Myung-bak on Wednesday issued his New
Year's message, calling on the nation to unite to overcome the financial crisis.

In the message to celebrate the dawn of 2009, Lee also asked the Korean people to
hold courage and hope in the face of the deepening economic crisis and strive to
use the crisis as a new opportunity for the future.
"Let us make a new beginning with the belief that tomorrow will definitely be far
better than today. I greeted the first day of the New Year by renewing my
determination as well," said Lee.
"I am convinced that we will certainly be able to ride out the current crisis,
which people say is the toughest. Cheering each other up, let us move forward
with renewed energy."
The president recalled that the nation had risen above similar economic
difficulties in the past through national unity.
"When the going was tough in the past, we were united and successfully surmounted
arduous challenges. Let us weather the wild gust and high waves, thereby turning
this crisis into an opportunity," he said.
"Opportunities are not given; rather, they are something we have to create. To
create opportunities, all economic players have to make concessions and join
forces."
ycm@yna.co.kr
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