President Lee Myung-bak of South Korea called for an end to the festering dispute over American beef, saying it was time for the country to concentrate on overcoming domestic and economic difficulties. Mr. Lee made the request in a nationally televised speech to enthusiastic ruling party (Grand National Party) members, who packed a Seoul gymnasium to elect their new leaders.

The Houston Chronicle quotes Lee as saying, “we are facing dual challenges at home and abroad. Our law and order have been ignored and our economic difficulties have been deepened. We must wisely and squarely surmount these challenges.”

Lee claimed his government will make a “fresh start” to regain public confidence and that he believes he could overcome the crisis in cooperation with Grand National Party members. His speech was frequently interrupted by party members applauding and shouting in unison the chant: “Lee Myung-bak! Lee Myung-bak!”

The president called for the GNP to unite in resolving the beef dispute – which he thinks frightened foreign investors – and overcoming economic woes such as surging oil prices.

Mr. Lee rebuked demonstrators for holding illegal and violent protests against U.S. beef imports, though he pledged to listen more carefully to public opinion at peaceful rallies.

To read the entire article from the Houston Chronicle, link here:

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