Lee to state position on 'science belt' project

SEOUL, May 16 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Myung-bak plans to state his position Tuesday on the government's selection of the central city of Daejeon as the site for a "science-business belt," a massive state project that has fueled regional rivalry and division, an aide said Monday.
Lee plans to attend a ceremony marking the 40th anniversary of the establishment of South Korea's top science university, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), in Daejeon, and his address will mention the science belt project, the aide said, without providing further details.
The 3.5 trillion won project, along with another project to relocate the headquarters of a major state corporation, has been the focus of much attention after the government scrapped a new airport project last month citing the lack of economic viability.
A series of regional governments have vied for the project, believing it would be boost their economies.
jschang@yna.co.kr