By Shim Jae-yun
Staff Reporter

President Roh Moo-hyun on Wednesday vowed his government would put first priority on speeding up political reform this year by eradicating regional antagonism and corrupt politics.

In a New Year’s message, Roh also pledged to ensure fair and strict management of the forthcoming general elections in April.

``I am well aware of your frustration and criticism of domestic politics. We will take them as a cause for genuine self-reflection,’’ he said.

``I believe, however, that the current struggle can serve as the basis for new politics to come,’’ Roh added.

Noting the 17th general elections this year will be a touchstone, Roh urged all politicians and citizens to pool their energy and resources to make a new turn toward allaying regionalism and realizing clean politics.

``In that way, we should make the new year a first for political reform, eradicating regionalism and corruption in politics,’’ he said.

Roh promised he would make every effort to strengthen peace by reinforcing national security and steadily pursuing inter-Korean reconciliation.

``I will do my best to lay a new foundation for peace and prosperity on the Korean peninsula by peacefully resolving the North Korea nuclear crisis,’’ he said.

jayshim@koreatimes.co.kr