East Asia leaders focus on economic problems at New Year

The economic problems facing east Asia have been the focus of attention of the New Year messages from many of the region's leaders.

The Japanese Prime Minister, Ryutaro Hashimoto, resolved to do everything possible to stabilise the financial system and achieve an economic recovery.

The Chinese president, Jiang Zemin, said he believed the efforts of the countries involved along with international cooperation would improve the economic situation.

South Korea's president elect, Kim Dae-jung, warning of more hardships in the year ahead, called for national unity to revive the South Korean economy.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand urged his people to respect traditional values and work together in the national interest.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service