Ruling-Opposition Parties` Reaction to the Southern Kuril Islands

In relation to the Japanese newspapers` report that Japan and Russia have reached a provisional accord to prohibit the third countries from fishing operation in waters off of the Southern Kuril Islands yesterday, both ruling and opposition parties denounced Japan`s double attitude, while calling for the government`s countermeasures.

Jeon Yong-Hak, spokesperson of the Millennium Democratic Party (MDP), criticized Japan saying that ``it is extremely double attitude that Japan negotiated with Russia to prohibit neighboring countries from fishing operation while Prime Minister Koizumi Junichiro is trying to improve the aggravated relationships with South Korea and China due to the distortion of history textbooks.``

He also urged the government to prepare thorough countermeasures saying that ``the related ministries should acknowledge that the dispute over saury fishing between South Korea and Japan is not limited to a matter of fishery business circles, but it is directly related to the national pride and public sentiment toward Japan.``

Jang Kwang-Keun, vice-spokesperson of the Grand National Party (GNP) said in his comment on this issue that ``we received a blow from Japan that offers one hand to us for the summit talk while cutting our fishermen with another hand.`` He also harshly criticized the government, saying, ``The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is the ministry of dishonor that is continuing ruinous diplomacy.``

Kwon Chul-Hyun, spokesperson of the GNP, also said at the press conference that ``the fact that the current government allowed the Prime Minister Koizumi Junichiro`s visit to Seoul without having received a clear apology on the distortion of history textbooks is not simply a pro-Japan behavior, but a behavior of revering Japan.`` urging for the withdrawal of the Prime Minister Koizumi`s visit to South Korea.

Kwon commented that ``according to the foreign press, the Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi may ask for cooperation on dispatching Japan`s Self-Defense Force in an anti-terrorism war when he visits South Korea. It is possible that the government may get involved in the political show of Koizumi for the rearmament of Japan.``

Kim Jeong-Hun jnghn@donga.com