Roh to Make Japan Relations Statement

Jeong Tae-ho, Cheong Wa Dae spokesperson, said yesterday that President Roh Moo-hyun would clarify his position on escalating Korea-Japan tensions caused by Japan’s hydrographic survey plan for Korea’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) around Dokdo in a special statement today at 9:30 a.m.

Jeong said, “President Roh has a plan to announce the South Korean government’s stance on the two parties’ relations and tasks for the development of Korea-Japan relations.”

Roh will make a special statement from the Main Office of Cheong Wa Dae and it is scheduled to be broadcast on TV for 15 to 20 minutes. It will be the first time Roh has stated his position on Korea-Japan relations in the form of a special statement.

It is reported that in this statement, Roh will say that he will take stern countermeasures to protect Korean sovereignty against Japanese provocations caused by the Dokdo issue, including any violation of Korea’s EEZ, saying that Japan’s hydrographic survey plan is linked directly with Korea’s sovereignty over Dokdo, where Korea has exercised effective control.

Roh’s statement will be closely watched as controversy is rising over the negotiation outcome of the two parties on April 22.

Core officials at Cheong Wa Dae said, “We decided on Roh’s issuing a special statement this morning through an inside meeting. But controversy over the outcome of the two parties’ negotiations is not linked to our decision,” and added, “The upcoming statement will display President Roh’s recognition of Japan`s attitude, including its claim to Dokdo.

Yeon-Wook Jung jyw11@donga.com