Presidential Spokesperson Lee Dong-kwan made the following remarks in a briefing this morning.

President Lee Myung-bak presided over a meeting of senior secretaries today. At the meeting, the President emphatically reiterated the necessity of a long-term and strategic response to the Dokdo issue. He said, “Acts of patriotism need to change with the times. We should work to find a genuine way to protect Dokdo.”

President Lee went on to say, “In particular, as Dokdo is already under the effective control of Korea, the country’s steady and strenuous efforts will allow us to receive continuous recognition by the international community and the approval of our descendants.” He added, “We need to address this issue from a long-term perspective with the intent of writing a new chapter in history.”

Regarding yesterday’s election of the Seoul Superintendent of Education, President Lee said, “the election reaffirmed the people’s support for the education policy of the new Administration.” He added that the Government should also step up reform efforts in other areas, including easing of business regulations and revamping of state-invested corporations