Lee Myung-bak

“I do believe that both countries, China and Russia, that both of them are responsible countries.”

“The North Koreans have gained, or bought, a lot of time through the six-party-talks framework to pursue their own agenda.”

“What we have is North Korea still pursuing path to a nuclear weapon state. So the majority of people's trust in North Korea has gone down considerably.”

“First of all, I think all countries in the world have agreed it is not in anyone's interest to test-fire a missile, or whatever its is.”

“The role of G-20 is to support the global economy to achieve strong, sustainable and balanced growth.”

“Talking about Korea, it has pretty high capital ratios at banks and maintains a good credit rating.”

“One of the most important reasons for North Korea continuing its nuclear ambitions is to consolidate the power to stay within the Kim Jong Il family.”

“I know that throughout their history, the people of the United States defended their freedom, their liberty, their justice, and their rights - if need be - with their lives. I think their courage is so admirable.”

“Fiscal crises often turn into financial crises, dealing a blow to the real economy.”

“I plan to lower corporate taxes to create an environment that encourages companies to invest more.”

“My wife, well she has extensive experience, because before becoming the first lady, she was the wife of the CEO of a large conglomerate. So I have very high hopes that she will carry out her job successfully as first lady of the Republic of Korea.”

“Merit should count more than academic background.”

“Yes, I don't believe that the inter-Korean relationship has, quote, 'deteriorated' since I assumed office. Rather I believe that the relationship between the two Koreas is entering into a new phase - a time of transition. And so I think that the North Koreans are trying to see what they can build with this, with my new administration.”

“Korea is an open society and we will make sure that there is no restriction on foreign investment in Korea.”

“I think within Japan there is talk about how there is the need to reassess the future of the U.S.-Japan alliance.”

“I plan to eliminate regulations that hinder domestic companies, particularly large conglomerates from investing in other companies.”

“I've noticed that in the U.S., when the president hits the three-year mark in office, he goes into re-election campaigning.”

“I plan to eliminate the equity cap in investment, and I also plan large-scale deregulation to meet global standards.”

“I'm well aware of the people's wishes.”

“The endgame is peaceful reunification of the Korean peninsula.”