Presidential New Year"s Greeting

The following is a translated excerpt from President Kim Dae Jung's New Year's greeting which he released to the press on December 31.

I tried my very best to save the country from the economic turbulence and hardship that persisted throughout the year of 1998.
Although it was very difficult to bear, our entire nation shouldered the painful burden.
We have coped with the pain and suffering and the upcoming year I believe will once again be prosperous.
The 'People's Government' began with a national crisis of unprecendented proportions but citizens overcame the dangers with democratic ardor.
I am very proud of you, the people, who voluntarily saved the country with major reforms in the financial, business, public and labor sectors.
Our North Korean policy is also going strong and has been for more than 10 months since the administration embarked on a course of national security and peace together.
Even though North Korea keeps infiltrating our shores, there is a lot to be positive about especially the Mt. Kumgang tour program.
I will be basically maintaining a continual policy of toleration towards the North.
From mid-1999 the economic situation will be better as I promised during my inauguration in early 1998.
For success in the 21st century, we have to be among the world's best in market economy competency and labor-management cooperation along with the pursuit of a powerful democracy. As we have done before, we must share all the pain and success equally within a social welfare framework.
Let's all be world citizens openly embracing internationalism and advancement for the approaching 21st century and the new era of globalization.