S Korea's Lee to attend UN General Assembly

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak will visit the United States later this month to take part in the United Nations General Assembly meeting and a high-level nuclear safety meeting, his office said Friday. During his three-day visit to New York starting Sept. 20, Lee will receive the World Statesman Award by the Appeal of Conscience Foundation for his contribution to world peace and democracy, Cheong Wa Dae said in a press release. Lee is scheduled to give a keynote speech at the annual UN General Assembly meeting on Sept. 21, in which he will express South Korea's commitment to international peace and security, democracy, human rights and sustainable development. On Sept. 22, the president will attend a high-level UN meeting on nuclear safety and security, and deliver a keynote speech calling for domestic and international efforts to ensure nuclear safety and transparency, according to Cheong Wa Dae. The South Korean leader plans to hold bilateral talks with other heads of states during his stay in New York. He is to pay a two-day visit Seattle starting on Sept. 22 on his way home.