Leaders of East Asian Countries Emphasize Security and Economic Growth as They Welcome the New Year

Leaders of East Asian countries are preparing to welcome the new year with a promise to focus their attention on security and economic growth in 2004. Australian Prime Minister John Howard, in a New Year message on Wednesday, placed national security at the top of his government's agenda, stating that 2003 ended positively with the capture of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein and Libya's decision to abandon its nuclear program. Mr. Howard added that there should be no disruption in the fight against international terrorists in 2004. Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri vowed to combat terrorism wherever and whenever it occurs. The President of China stated in a message that economic development will be the main task of the country in 2004. He expressed that the government will expand the scope of reforms and open China further to the outside world. Hu Jintao stated that the 'One China' policy will remain in place and warned Taiwan against any efforts for separation from China. In Taipei, Chen Shui-bian, the President of Taiwan, called on Beijing to withdraw missiles aimed at the island. In Seoul, the President of South Korea said his government will strive to achieve two main goals in 2004: balancing national development and enhancing the country's reputation as a center of economic activity in Northwest Asia.