Lee condemns Internet-driven rumors about nuclear crisis

By Na Jeong-ju

President Lee Myung-bak expressed concern over the spread of rumors regarding the nuclear disaster in Japan and its possible negative impact on South Korea, Thursday, saying his administration is taking appropriate steps to ensure nuclear safety.

“I’m worried that false rumors about a radiation leak from quake-hit Japanese reactors are spreading on the Internet. We must take immediate action regarding this matter,” Lee said during a breakfast meeting with ruling party leader Rep. Ahn Sang-soo at Cheong Wa Dae.

On Wednesday, the Financial Services Commission launched an investigation into rumors about the possibility of the radioactive leaks from Japan reaching Korean soil. The financial watchdog believes some people attempted to manipulate stock prices by spreading rumors.

Lee said he was impressed at the way the Japanese people have responded to the natural disaster.

“Despite fears of aftershocks and the nuclear crisis, Japanese citizens have remained calm and behaved in an orderly manner. They deserve our respect.”

He also reaffirmed that Korea will provide all possible assistance to Japan for its recovery.

“We need to provide aid tailored to Japan’s needs.”

It was the first formal meeting between Lee and the Grand National Party chairman in four months. Lee earlier pledged to hold such a meeting regularly in a bid to strengthen policy coordination inside the ruling camp.

Discussion topics at Thursday’s gathering included the situation in Japan, the country’s bid to host the 2018 Winter Olympics, public worries about foot-and-mouth disease and other pending state affairs, the presidential office said.