|
President Lee Myung-bak declared on Monday, "We must move from the age of ideology into the age of pragmatism." He was delivering his inaugural address as the 17th president of the republic in the National Assembly plaza with over 50,000 local and foreign dignitaries and citizens attending.
"At times over the last 10 years, we found ourselves faltering and confused, but now, we will take with us our achievements as well as the lessons we learned from our failures and start anew," the chief executive said. "At the juncture when we are beginning another 60 years of the Republic, I hereby declare the year 2008 as the starting year for the advancement of the Republic of Korea."
"In making an advanced country, we ought not to discriminate among ourselves," Lee said. "We will arm ourselves with pragmatism for cooperation and harmony so that we may thaw out differences between classes and resolve militant strife." The new president called on the citizens to ¡°resolve anew to change first ourselves on our own initiative." "If we slight this call for change, we will fall behind," he added. "Although it is going to be difficult and painful, we must change much more and much faster." As the direction of change, he offered "openness, autonomy and creativity."
Lee allotted a considerable portion of the beginning of his address to appeal to pride in Korea¡¯s history and people. "In the shortest period of time, this nation achieved both industrialization and democratization," he noted and went on, "Some say this is a miracle¡¦ but it is indeed the shining crystallization of our blood, sweat and tears." Self-esteem is an engine for Korea's drive into the future, he said.
Lee made five promises. To serve the people; invigorate the economy and unite society; enliven culture and advance science and technology; strengthen security; and meet Korea¡¯s responsibilities in the international community. Referring to securing new growth engine and job creation by reinvigorating the economy, Lee promised a lean government, enhanced competition in the public sector, and tax cuts. Touching on union relations, he said, "We must end the era of strife and start an era of companionship." Stressing the need to increase Korea¡¯s national wealth through free trade, Lee pledged to find tangible solutions for farmers and fishermen.
"Global diplomacy" and "pragmatic inter-Korean relations" were the main points in diplomacy. "We will work to develop and further strengthen friendly relations with the U.S. into a future-oriented partnership," he said. "Once North Korea abandons its nuclear program and chooses the path to openness, we will provide assistance so that we can raise the per capita income of North Korea to US$3,000 within 10 years.¡± An inter-Korean summit to open the doors to unification can be held at any time, he said.
Lee also briefly mentioned domestic politics, touching on wasteful political disputes, and calling for bipartisan dialogue and cooperation with the National Assembly.
Lee concluded his address by emphasizing opportunities and dreams. "A boy from the countryside who could not eat regular meals has become the president of the Republic of Korea. I sincerely hope everyone of my fellow Koreans will have his or her own dream and work hard to realize that dream," Lee said. Beyond the miracle of the Han River, let us now embark together on creating a new legacy for the Korean Peninsula."
(englishnews@chosun.com )
|
