Pres. Lee Urges Economic Revival and Law and Order

President Lee Myung-bak appeared yesterday on a nationally televised roundtable to urge the people to unite in the face of the unprecedented economic crisis.

In a 90-minute talk starting at 10 p.m., President Lee stressed the government’s renewed commitment to expand the social safety net to help newly poor households in the wake of the economic downturn.

On the dispute over the redevelopment project for the country`s four major rivers, he pledged to proceed with the venture, saying, “Improving major rivers is a necessary project to kick start the moribund economy and create jobs.”

He expressed his regret over the deadly clash between evictees and police that killed six people last week. “It’s very sad and heartbreaking. But the government will sternly deal with illegal violent protests to keep law and order,” he said.

On the fate of Seoul police chief Kim Seok-ki, the president reaffirmed his stance that a thorough investigation should come first before punishment.

Prior to the talk, he told an expanded meeting of his senior aides, “When things get tough like this year, a speedy conclusion and implementation is the most important in resolving difficulties. The methods of government decision-making should change in line with a government in full emergency mode.”

yongari@donga.com