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Seoul poll winner tough on North | Seoul poll winner tough on North |
(about 2 hours later) | |
The president-elect of South Korea, Lee Myung-bak, says he will press North Korea to abandon nuclear weapons. | |
Such a move was a prerequisite for full economic co-operation between North and South, he said, adding that Pyongyang must improve its human rights record. | Such a move was a prerequisite for full economic co-operation between North and South, he said, adding that Pyongyang must improve its human rights record. |
Speaking at a news conference, he also pledged to boost the economy and court foreign investment. | |
Full results show the conservative Lee won a landslide win in Wednesday's poll, ending a decade of liberal rule. | |
With almost all votes counted, the National Election Commission says Mr Lee had 48.7%. Chung Dong-young, of the ruling liberals, was second with 26.1%. | With almost all votes counted, the National Election Commission says Mr Lee had 48.7%. Chung Dong-young, of the ruling liberals, was second with 26.1%. |
Mr Lee's victory hands back power to his Grand National Party (GNP) for the first time in a decade. | Mr Lee's victory hands back power to his Grand National Party (GNP) for the first time in a decade. |
Tougher stance | |
Addressing a news conference in the South Korean capital, Seoul, Mr Lee pledged a more robust stance towards Pyongyang. | |
"Previous governments have refrained from criticising and tried to unilaterally appease the North Koreans. I can say such a thing will change," he said. | |
Leaders of the two Koreas held a landmark summit in October | |
Increased economic cooperation would depend on North Korean moves to end its nuclear programme, he said. | |
"Full-fledged economic exchanges can start after North Korea dismantles its nuclear weapons." | |
In the last decade, Seoul has followed a policy of engagement with the North and tensions have eased. | |
In October, leaders of the two nations - which have not signed a peace deal since the 1950-53 Korean War - met for only the second time and signed a wide-ranging accord calling for peace and improved economic ties. | |
Analysts say that as long as North Korea continues moves to disarm, Mr Lee's stance should not dramatically affect ties between Seoul and Pyongyang. | |
Fraud probe | |
The president-elect also addressed the economy - an issue that dominated campaigning and was where the former Hyundai executive struck a chord with voters. | |
He said that his government would court foreign investment and would "foster an environment where companies can operate freely". | |
Mr Lee will replace incumbent Roh Moo-hyun in February, when his single five-year term expires. | |
But the president-elect still faces allegations over an alleged fraud in 2001, which he denies. | |
Although prosecutors had decided there was not enough evidence to charge him, MPs voted to reopen the case earlier this week when new evidence appeared. | |
A parliamentary probe is set to be completed before Mr Lee takes office. | |
But correspondents say that for many voters, how the president-elect handles the economy is more important than the allegations against him. |