President vows fair election

President Kim Dae-jung said Thursday that he will maintain strict political neutrality and assure a fair management of the December presidential elections. He also made a renewed commitment to overseeing the affairs of his administration.

President Kim's address on Korea's 57th anniversary of national liberation, was delivered by Prime Minister-designate Chang Dae-whan. The speech outlined proposals for transparent campaign financing and expanding the public election management apparatus for low-cost elections.

The address also touched on inter-Korean relations, stressing that the June 15, 2000, Joint Declaration must be followed without fail as a public testament before the international community.

As for the five-day workweek, President Kim said that the new five-day workweek system has several positive aspects, such as promoting citizens' health, enhancing the quality of life and reinvigorating the economy by boosting productivity. President Kim said that fiscal balance will be achieved next year and a sound fiscal foundation will be established. The issuance of state bonds will be terminated and detailed plans will be drawn up and enforced to recover public funds spent on bailouts during the 1997 financial crisis.

by Kim Chong-hyuk