“I Will Open a New Era of Prosperity, And I Will Criticize Pyongyang if Necessary”

On Thursday, president-elect Lee Myung-bak emphasized, “Change should start from going back to the basics. First of all, I will reinforce basic law and order.”

At the first press conference held at the Korea Press Foundation after his election, Lee said, “I will enhance people’s confidence in the government by pursuing efficiency and innovation.”

He added, “The Lee Myung-bak administration will pursue harmonization. I myself will be open and be humble. The ruling and opposition parties are not foes but necessary opponents.”

He reiterated, “I will establish a new development system where benefits of growth go to working people and the middle class, and usher in a new era for a greater Korea. For the last 60 years, we have been writing a development history. Going beyond our national foundation, industrialization and democratization, we should make our country an advanced one. We should open an era where sophistication of the economy and improvement of livelihood go hand in hand with each other.”

He said confidently, “I will create an environment where businesses make investments as they like. When I take office, I will create a business-friendly environment.”

He announced his plan, saying, “When the presidential succession committee (PSC) is launched, I will meet with economic experts from each field to explain how the incoming government will change the investment atmosphere. An organization for foreign investment will be established in the committee.”

Regarding the nature of the PSC, Lee promised, “The PSC will be composed of working–level experts. Given the next general elections scheduled for April, politicians will be excluded from the committee. I will take over as smoothly as possible so that chaos and psychological turmoil coming from the first change of government in 10 years are minimized.”

Regarding diplomacy, Lee stressed, “I will reinforce common values and peace, together with the Korea-U.S. alliance, based on mutual trust. I will establish peace on the Korean peninsula and make it free of nuclear weapons. If the North gives up its nuclear ambitions, it will be better off.”

With respect to the North Korean human rights situation, he said, “Previous governments unilaterally appeased the North Korean regime. There will be a change. Constructive criticism will make Pyongyang healthier in the end. I will criticize North Korea if necessary.”