Japanese Prime Minister Says Tokdo Belongs to Japan

In a move that may incite anti-Japanese sentiment in Korea, Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori of Japan said during his interview with the Korea Broadcasting System (KBS), shortly before his summit meeting with President Kim Dae-jung last week, that Takeshima (the Japanese name for Tokdo) "clearly" belongs to Japan. Both Korea and Japan claim the islets, located in the sea between Korea and Japan, as theirs.

According to the KBS union newsletter issued Tuesday, the prime minister said in the Sept. 18 interview: "The Japanese government's position on the Takeshima issue has been consistent. Whether based on historical facts or on international law, Takeshima clearly belongs to Japan." He added, "I hope the Korean government will deal with this issue in a pragmatic manner."

KBS omitted the controversial comment from the show when it broadcast the interview on the night of Sept. 21. The government-owned broadcasting company explained its decision saying, "We didn't consider the comment newsworthy since the prime minister's comment reflected the official position of the Japanese government."

The broadcaster reportedly discussed the content of the questions in advance with the Japanese embassy in Seoul. According to the KBS union, the prime minister, who had answered previous questions matter-of-factly, suddenly turned serious when the issue of the disputed islets came up and read what appeared to be a document prepared by the Japanese Foreign Ministry word for word.

Separately, right-wing activists in Japan staged a protest in front of President Kim's hotel demanding the "return" of Takeshima during his official visit from Sept. 22 - 24.

by Kang Joo-an