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PARK GEUN-HYE became South Korea’s first female president today, vowing zero tolerance with North Korean provocation and demanding Pyongyang “abandon its nuclear ambitions” immediately.
As leader of Asia’s fourth-largest economy, Park, the 61-year-old daughter of late military strongman Park Chung-Hee, faces challenges of slowing growth and soaring welfare costs in one of the world’s most rapidly ageing societies.
Taking the oath of office less than two weeks after North Korea carried out its third nuclear test, Park called on the regime in Pyongyang to “abandon its nuclear ambitions without delay” and rejoin the international community.
“I will not tolerate any action that threatens the lives of our people and the security of our nation,” Park said, while promising to pursue the trust-building policy with Pyongyang that she had promised in her campaign.
South Korean rapper PSY performs before the inauguration ceremony of President Park Geun-hye at the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
Observers say her options will be limited by the international outcry over the North’s 12 February nuclear test, which has emboldened the hawks in her ruling conservative party who oppose closer engagement.
There was no immediate reaction from Pyongyang, but an editorial today in the ruling Workers’ Party newspaper Rodong Sinmun carried a clear message for Park to avoid the “confrontational” policies of her predecessor Lee Myung-Bak.
As South Korea’s first female president, Park leads a country that is ranked below the likes of Suriname and the United Arab Emirates in gender equality.
The two-and-a-half hour inauguration ceremony, held on a chilly and cloudy morning, included a musical warm-up concert that saw Korean rapper Psy perform his global hit “Gangnam Style”.
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head off Mary Robinson
Did she have to begin office by provoking North Korea? Especially given that a few months ago Kim jong whatshisface made a state broadcast signalling a white flag. Why couldn’t she talk about fixing the economy or reducing social inequality? Typical from the daughter of a military man. Cow.
Looks like she’s starting to do the Nazi salute in that photo haha.
Apparently people aren’t in the laughing mood this morning. Ill get my coat.
Park Geun-hye: First Female President in South Korea – for more information
http://www.trendsor.blogspot.in/2012/12/park-geun-hye-first-female-president-in.html
Park Geun-hye created a history in South -Korea by becoming the first female president in the presidential elections. She is from Saenuri party and defeated Moon Jae-in of democratic party not by gaining narrow points but with great difference in the points. In downtown Seoul, she interacted with almost all media people and said that she… –
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