At a Cabinet meeting today, President Lee Myung-bak made comments about how he feels on his 100th day in office and his stance on the controversial issue of U.S. beef imports. He also urged the relevant ministers to spur efforts to revive the economy to benefit ordinary citizens.

Marking the 100th day since his inauguration, President Lee said, “Today should be a day for celebration, but, looking back on the past 100 days, we have to reflect on many things.”

He went on to say, “We have been ignorant of what the people really want on many issues. From today, I want all Cabinet members to work even harder as if we were beginning anew.”

Touching on the issue of beef imports, the President remarked with determination, “Public confidence in the Government has decreased by a large margin because of this controversy. It is only natural that we do not import beef from cattle older than 30 months as long as the public is worried about it, and the majority is opposed to it.”

Regarding policy measures aimed at stabilizing the daily lives of ordinary citizens, President Lee said, “Deteriorating external economic conditions such as oil price hikes are weighing heavily on the everyday lives of ordinary folks.” The President went on to underscore, “Economic revival centered on ordinary citizens is of cardinal import in the nation’s drive to resuscitate the economy.”

In this connection, the President urged the Cabinet members to place “top priority on endeavors to revive the economy to benefit ordinary citizens. Instead of coming up with routine or mere administrative measures, it is indispensable to work out substantive and bold measures which will be felt by citizens personally in recognition of the fact that the nation is now in an emergency situation.”