- Koreans expressing cherished yearning for the peaceful world

President Kim Dae-jung has a resolute thinking that terrorism is the common enemy of humanity and is unacceptable despite any attempted justification. His thoughts about this topic can be found in his recent remarks. At the Shanghai APEC Leaders Meeting being held October 18-22, 2001, he plans to stress the collective anti-terror efforts. Being held in the wake of last month's terrorist attacks in the United States, this APEC meeting is particularly slated to discuss the support measures for the U.S.-led campaign against terrorism. President Kim will have bilateral summits with leaders of some member nations, including the United States and China, during which he will discuss various international issues in depth, including anti-terrorism measures.
Also when the anti-terrorism war was launched to safeguard the peace and security of all peoples at the beginning of October, we must demonstrate our opposition to terrorism through resolute action, he said in a determined manner. He said through a Special Statement on U.S. Attacks against Afghanistan that he hopes the current international alliance and actions aimed at rooting out terrorism will achieve their goal.
He eased the nation's mind by saying that the Administration has already finished detailed studies on the possible effects of the attacks on our economy, diplomacy and national security, adding that we have also worked out diverse measures to deal with any developments. Terrorist attacks are not confined to the United States. No nation in the world is free from them. Korea is no exception. "This is all the more true in light of the 2002 World Cup and Asian Games, which we will host next year", Kim pointed out. We must continue to maintain active security measures against terrorism so that people from around the world can visit Korea with a peace of mind, he stressed.
In his remarks too at the Opening Ceremony of the General Assembly of the International Cooperative Alliance, Kim indicated, "Although the terrorist attacks took place in the United States, they are not a problem of the United States alone. All states are threatened; they can happen to anyone, anytime". In a place to meet with the representatives of the International Cooperative Alliance all over the world, Kim emphasized this is a time when all people around the world should pool their resolute will to root out terrorism.
President Kim addressed the World Statesman Award Ceremony too which took place at the end of September that terrorism is the most serious crime and it will not be tolerated under any pretext. "I strongly condemn all terrorist activities and pledge my full support for any and all endeavors to free the world of this menace", he said. Terrorism that threatens our peace and security has now become our main enemy, he concluded.Thus, in a current point of view his main emphasis seems to concentrate on seeking the methods how the Administration and he will minimize the effects of terror affairs in the U.S. affecting the Korean economy.
The Administration has reportedly already analyzed possible economic effects and worked out a variety of measures. It has already formed a joint economic council, covering governmental and private sectors to cope with the situation. He is putting the nation at his ease by saying, "The Administration will do its best to minimize the adverse effects of the war on all financial and business circles including banking, foreign exchange, price levels and energy", Together, he is addressing the nation by saying, the "Administration will continue to try to settle peace on the Peninsula and accomplish a peaceful unification, based on a watertight security posture, the alliance with the United States and inter-Korean reconciliation and cooperation". NW