Lee says public order prerequisite to social, economic growth

By Byun Duk-kun
SEOUL, Nov. 27 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Myung-bak called for increased efforts
to uphold the rule of law Friday, saying law and order are key to the country's
overall development.

"If law and order are not observed, none of our efforts to create jobs, integrate
society or stimulate our economy will succeed," the president said in a ceremony
where he commissioned some 1,370 new police officers.]
The ceremony was held at the National Central Police Academy located in Chungju,
North Chungcheong Province, about 130 km southeast of Seoul.
"It is important to show foreign visitors our culture, tradition and economic
development," Lee said, "but it is also very important to show them that we are a
country where law and order are strictly observed."
He added the G-20 economic summit to be held here in November next year will
present a chance to significantly raise the country's status in the international
community.
The president said a higher level of integrity and sacrifice is asked of the
police force than any other branch of the government, because the police are the
first to help crime victims and the weak, the president said.
"To victims, the police are the first arm of government where they can reach for
a life vest," he said.
"What I want to stress most is that you must have a higher sense of duty to the
nation than any other government official," the president added. "I ask you to be
loyal to our country, love our people and especially protect the weak."
bdk@yna.co.kr
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