South Korea's President-elect Lee
Myung-bak announced Monday that he has nominated former Foreign
Minister Han Seung-soo as prime minister.
The 72-year-old Han, now serving as
a special envoy on climate change for UN Secretary-General Ban
Ki-moon, is known for his wide-ranging diplomatic and political
career, which includes stints as finance minister, commerce
minister, ambassador to the United States and presidential chief of
staff. The former three-term lawmaker was also elected president of
the UN General Assembly in 2001.
"I asked Han to be my first prime
minister in consideration of his global mindset and abundant
experiences at home and abroad," Lee said at a news conference,
standing beside Han.
"Taking advantage of his
international experiences and human networks, Han will be able to
help revitalize our economy and successfully carry out national
tasks in trade and resource diplomacy. He is also the right person
to promote national harmony and cooperation between the
administration and the National Assembly," Lee said, naming a
number of public posts held by Han.
Prime Minister-designate Han, who
earned the title of " international gentleman" after serving long
in high-profile diplomatic and government posts, said that he will
devote his efforts to the welfare of the nation, as well as to
Lee's commitment to resource diplomacy.
"Resources are indispensable to our
economy. I'm ready to criss-cross the globe to engage in resource
diplomacy. I'll also strive to publicize our nation's human
resources abroad," said Han.
"We can overcome the looming global
economic crisis through further deregulation and stimulation of
private investment," said Lee, who will be sworn in on February 25.
He has unveiled a plan to downsize the organizations and personnel
of the prime minister's office, saying his prime minister will be
primarily responsible for resource diplomacy.
Han must undergo a parliamentary
confirmation hearing before taking office as new prime
minister.
(Xinhua News Agency January 28,
2008)
