Pres. Lee Urges Nation to End Beef Debate, Revive Economy

As part of follow-up measures for the resumption of U.S. beef imports, the government will strictly implement the county of origin labeling rules. It will also join forces with the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service, the prosecution, police, the Korean Food and Drug Administration and local administrative organizations to crack down on violators and educate restaurants.

In addition, the government will launch a civil watchdog consisting of experts who are capable of distinguishing the place of origin of meat.

Agriculture Minister Chung Woon-chun on Thursday briefed President Lee Myung-bak on these new measures at an emergency Cabinet meeting regarding the posting of new U.S. beef import rules.

President Lee said at the meeting, “If we fail to post the notification of the new inspection rules, (Korea) will lose trust internationally and the additional negotiation results will go nowhere. The government has done its best and come up with a set of foolproof measures to safeguard the public’s health.”

Lee stressed, “It’s time to bring the beef issue to an end and make a united effort to revive the nation’s floundering economy. If this (chaotic situation triggered by the beef controversy) continues, it will affect ordinary citizens.” Lee also asked the public to trust the government since it is resolute to keep the safety of food, and requested Cabinet members to go all out to get the public’s support and understanding.

Presidential Chief of Staff Chung Chung-kil presided over a meeting of senior secretaries. Regarding the recent candlelight vigils that are turning violent, they agreed to sternly deal with illegal protests that block traffic, cause inconvenience to citizens and hamper businesses of ordinary people.

Prime Minster Han Seung-soo also issued a special statement to the public yesterday, saying, “The candlelight vigils with pure intentions are turning into violent rallies demanding the withdrawal of the democratic government. The people will not tolerate violent and unlawful protests. The government will keep law and order no matter what.”

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