Fellow Citizens, The New Year of 2006 has dawned. I wish all of you a very happy and prosperous New Year. Our profound consolation goes out to the residents of those regions that suffered serious damage from an unprecedented snowstorm. Please do not be too discouraged. The government will do everything in its power to assist you. Fellow Citizens, Are you still worried about the economy as we begin the New Year Please do not be consumed with worries. For the economy is turning around. The country has now completely gotten over the crisis that brought on the IMF bailout plan. The adverse consequences of the crisis are all but gone as well. Nonetheless, life of ordinary people is still difficult financially. In the New Year, the Government will make extensive efforts to further improve their economic situation. We have had a fair share of confusion and instability arising from various conflicts. It will rather change in the New Year, however. Most of the major problems that have hindered us appear to have been straightened out. This year, we should be able to prepare for the future in a more serene atmosphere. The Republic of Korea is a dynamic country. When we look back upon the past 30 years, it has changed enormously. And this pace of changes will continue for some time. While I believe that we still need to run for our goals, we also need to adjust the speed and make preparations for the future calmly, reflecting upon the past and rectifying mistakes. We cannot be optimistic about our future in 20 or 30 years if we continue with the old paradigm. We have to engage in creative and open-minded thinking as we chart strategies for the future. Yet concerted efforts of a few people thinking this way would not usher in a brighter future. All of our citizen shall join forces. Fellow Citizens, Let us see farther and think more profoundly. Let us talk with one another with open minds. Let us build a society where everyone takes collective responsibility for the decisions that have been arrived at through a democratic process. Let us respect the rules of our own making and let us cooperate and carry out our own promises. By doing so, trust shall be built among us and we will finally become one. And a bright future will be assured. Fellow Citizens who I hold in respect, The Korean people have always accomplished anything and everything that we have set out to. With hope and confidence, let us march forward together. Fellow Citizens, I wish all of you a Happy New Year.