President Lee Myung-bak said to the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday (Apr. 7) that people were coping well with the recent rocket launch of North Korea, which is reflected in the nation''s recent economic indicators.
He added that the Navy should do their utmost to protect the crab catchers in the Yellow Sea, considering the unstable situation.

He also ordered a flexible response to the reduction of South Korean personnel in the inter-Korean Gaeseong Industrial Complex (GIC). He urged the Cabinet to help the companies in the complex maintain their industrial operation to the usual level.

The President also called for the speedy release of a South Korean GIC worker who has been detained in North Korea for making negative comments vis-à-vis the communist state. President Lee asked for immediate measures for his release, including the support of the international community.

As to budget spending for the first quarter, the President ordered a meticulous review of it and an enhanced execution for the second quarter.

The President also said the government should lend its support to the victims of the earthquake in Italy, as a responsible member of the international community.

The President also asked the Cabinet to pay extra attention to the special National Assembly session this month, which will pass or fail reform and supplementary budget bills.