S. Korean president to skip World Economic Forum

By Byun Duk-kun
SEOUL, Jan. 2 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Lee Myung-bak has decided not to
attend this year's World Economic Forum in order to focus on the more pressing
domestic issues, including the slumping economy, aides said Friday.
The annual forum, better known as the Davos Forum, is scheduled to run from Jan.
28-Feb. 1 in Davos, Switzerland. The forum offers a valuable chance to meet and
exchange views with leaders of the world's largest economies.
"The president has decided not to take part in the Davos Forum because he feels
he needs to first address the economic crisis facing the country," a presidential
official said, asking that he not be identified.
China's Prime Minister Wen Jiabao has confirmed his participation in this year's
forum, according to the official Web site of the forum.
The meeting usually attracts a large number of political and economic leaders
from many countries, including the world's 20 largest economies, known as the
Group of 20. However, this year's forum is expected to draw fewer leaders due to
the ongoing global economic downturn.
"Many leaders, including Brazil's president, have decided not to attend the
meeting, so we believe it will be more balanced that the president does not
attend," the official said.
A G-20 summit is set to be held in Britain in April.
bdk@yna.co.kr
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