Gov`t Sent Delegation for Confirming Saury Agreement between Russia and Japan

The government urgently sent a delegation to Russia yesterday, regarding the report of the Japanese press that Russia and Japan agreed to prohibit the saury fishing of the third nations including Korea in waters off the controversial Southern Kurils.

Led by Vice Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Hong Seung-Yong and Cho Hwan-Bok, Director General of the International Economic Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the delegation plans to confirm the negotiation process between Russia and Japan through the talks with Russian Vice-Foreign Minister Roshukoff staying in Russia.

A governmental official said, ``the government sent a delegation to consult on the fishing issue with Russia who possesses the decision right on the fishing issue in waters off the Southern Kurils. The delegation will confirm the correct contents of the Russia-Japan meeting and will notify the Russian government that this issue may have serious impacts on the favorable relation between Korea and Russia.``

daviskim@donga.com