South Korean President-elect Kim Dae-jung went on TV on Friday pledging not to neglect democracy in promoting economic policy, and appealed to the nation for support.

"Dear fellow countrymen, whom I respect and love, thank you very much," Kim said. "I sincerely thank you.

"I also sincerely thank candidates Lee Hoi-chang and Rhee In-je, who fought a good fight with me, accepted the result of the election, and pledged to extend positive support to me.

"A new history will begin in this country. The first change of power between the ruling and opposition parties has taken place since the national founding.

"This is not a mere change of power, but a change in the policy of giving top priority to the economy and neglecting democracy with a policy of attaching equal importance to the economy and democracy.

"Neglecting democracy distorted our economy into what it is today. The histories of all countries show that success can be accomplished only when democracy and economy are promoted simultaneously.

"I will follow the road to success. The cooperation of you, the people, is absolutely necessary for me to succeed. You must extend your full support to me and be ready to share joys and sorrows with me, if necessary.

"I pledge to take the lead in breaking through difficulties and serve you with all sincerity and all my ability. Thank you very much," Kim said.

BBC Monitoring (http://www.monitor.bbc.co.uk), based in Caversham in southern England, selects and translates information from radio, television, press, news agencies and the Internet from 150 countries in more than 70 languages.
 

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