Acting president calls for unity on anniv. of 1960 pro-democracy uprising

Alsharq Tribune- Yonhap

Acting President Han Duck-soo on Saturday called for national unity to overcome economic and social crises as he marked the anniversary of a 1960 pro-democracy civil uprising that led to the ouster of South Korea's first President Rhee Syng-man.

Han issued the call during an anniversary event at the April 19th National Cemetery in northern Seoul, which holds the remains of those killed in the uprising, saying the "people's successful revolution" became the foundation for the nation's democracy but the country inherited by future generations should be more prosperous, tolerant and harmonious.

"There are still numerous challenges and dilemmas before us," he said, citing geopolitical risks and a realignment of the global economic order on the outside, and social division on the inside.

"However, if our people become one, we can overcome all these difficulties," he continued. "I believe the most important key to overcoming crises is unity that combines the people's potential into one."

Han said nothing is impossible through dialogue and cooperation based on a mature civic awareness, and the government will actively seek to resolve difficulties in each sector, including the economy, people's livelihoods, disaster response and national security, while responding all-out to urgent global trade issues.

"We will channel all of our energy into turning the people's potential into energy for national development, while resolving social conflicts through dialogue and cooperation," he said.

The April 19th civil revolt was touched off by public anger over vote rigging in the presidential election by the Rhee government in power at the time.

A series of nationwide student protests culminated on April 19, with hundreds of demonstrators killed or wounded in clashes with armed police.

The uprising ultimately forced Rhee to step down after 12 years in office.