S. Korea won't accept Japan's move to take issue of Dokdo to int'l court

http://view.koreaherald.com/kh/view.php?ud=20120811000096

S. Korea won't accept Japan's move to take issue of Dokdo to int'l court

2012-08-11 14:55 Text

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South Korea will never accept a move by Japan to take the issue of Dokdo to the International Court of Justice, a senior Seoul official said Saturday, as diplomatic tensions with Tokyo heightened over the unprecedented visit by President Lee Myung-bak to the islets.

A day after Lee's visit to Dokdo, which Japan has long claimed as its own, Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba told reporters in Tokyo that his government was considering asking the international court to resolve the issue.

"The reason why the Japanese side is considering filing a suit with the International Court of Justice is to make the Dokdo issue an international dispute," the government official told Yonhap News Agency by telephone.

"Our government's basic stance is that we will not accept it because Dokdo is clearly our territory," the official said on the condition of anonymity.

South Korea sees no reason to take the issue of Dokdo before the international court because the islets are Korean territory no matter what happens and the Japanese move is unrealistic because Seoul must consent before the issue can be sent to the court, the official said.

Lee became the first South Korean president ever to visit the islets, which lie closer to South Korea in the body of water between the Korean Peninsula and Japan, underscoring the nation's territorial control of Dokdo that has long been a thorn in relations between the two countries.

Gemba told reporters on Saturday that he was reviewing "measures designed to peacefully resolve conflicts on the basis of international law, including bringing the case to the International Court of Justice," according to a report by the Kyodo news agency.

Also on Saturday, the South Korean consulate office in Hiroshima was hit by a brick in an apparent attack that might be related to Lee's visit to Dokdo, consulate officials there said.

A motorcyclist wearing a helmet threw a brick through the glass entrance door of the consulate office in Hiroshima, leaving a hole in the door. No one was hurt.

In the wake of the incident, Seoul's foreign ministry has asked Japan to step up security at nine Korean diplomatic missions in Japan, the official said.

"We also asked the Japanese police for cooperation with regard to the safety of Korean nationals and tourists," the official said.

Japan has long laid claims to Dokdo in school textbooks, government reports and other ways, undercutting better ties between the neighboring nations.

South Koreans see those claims as amounting to denying Korea's rights because the country regained independence from 1910-45 Japanese colonial rule and reclaimed sovereignty over its territory, which includes Dokdo and many other islands around the Korean Peninsula.

South Korea has kept a small police detachment on Dokdo since 1954.

The territorial claims have been viewed by South Koreans as a sign Japan has not fully repented for its imperialist past, along with Tokyo's refusal to address long-running grievances of elderly Korean women forced into sexual slavery for Japanese troops during World War II. (Yonhap News)

<관련 한글 기사>

작정한 일본, “국제재판소로 가자!”

이명박 대통령의 독도 방문에 대해 일본 정부 가 국제사법재판소 제소를 포함해 추가 대응 조치를 검토하기로 했다.

이에 우리 정부측에서는 "응하지 않겠다"고 밝혔다.

정부 당국자는 "일본 측이 국제사법재판소 제소를 검토하는 것은 독도를 분쟁 지역화하려는 의도"라며 "독도는 명백한 우리 영토이기 때문 에 이에 응하지 않겠다는 것이 우리 정부의 기본 입장"이라고 설명했다.

겐바 고이치로(玄葉光一郞) 외무상은 11일 일본 취재진에 "우선 국제사법재판소 에 제소하는 방안을 포함해 국제법에 근거한 분쟁의 평화적 분쟁 해결 조치를 검토하겠다"며 "국제사법재판소에서 일본의 주장을 명확히 함으로써 국제사회에 일본의 주장을 이해시킬 필요가 있다"고 말했다.

그는 이날 오전 사사에 겐이치로(佐佐江賢一郞) 외무성 사무차관, 스기야마 신스케(杉山晋輔) 아시아•대양주 국장, 무토 마사토시(武藤正敏) 주한 대사 등과 함께 대응 조치를 협의한 뒤 이같이 밝혔다.

하지만 한국 정부는 독도 분쟁 자체를 인정하지 않는 만큼 일본이 원한다고 해서 국제사법재판소에서 이 문제를 다툴 이유는 없다는 입장이다. 당사국 중 한쪽이라도 원하지 않을 경우 국제사법재판소행은 불가능하다.

이에 따라 일본은 한일간에 독도를 둘러싼 분쟁이 있다는 것을 국제사회에 보여 주기 위한 다른 조치를 취할 것으로 예상된다.

교도통신은 2006년 고이즈미 준이치로(小泉純一郞) 내각 당시에 일본이 독도 주 변 해양조사차 측량선을 출발시켰다가 한일 차관급 협의 후 중단한 사례를 거론했다. 2005년 3월에는 일본 경비행기가 독도 상공에 진입을 시도한 적도 있다.

한편 일본 정부는 양국 정상간 셔틀 외교를 당분간 중단하는 방안도 검토하는 것으로 알려졌다.

이 대통령이 지난해 교토(京都)를 방문한 만큼 올해는 노다 요시히코(野田佳彦)

총리가 방한할 순서지만 이를 미루겠다는 것이다.

외교장관의 상호 방문이나 고위급 정기 협의를 당분간 중단하는 방안도 논의하는 것으로 알려졌다.

다만 일본 정부 안에는 과잉 대응을 해서 필요 이상으로 한일 관계를 악화해서는 안 된다는 의견도 있다고 일본 언론은 전했다.

앞서 일본 정부는 10일 이 대통령이 독도를 방문한 직후 신각수 주일 한국 대사를 외무성으로 불러 항의한데 이어 무토 주한 대사를 일시 귀국시켰지만 이것으로는 충분하지 않다며 추가 대응조치 검토에 들어갔다.


London Olympics: South Korean footballers displayed a flag with a political message

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2186738/South-Korean-leader-stirs-diplomatic-tensions-visiting-disputed-islands-claimed-Japan.html?ito=feeds-newsxml South Korean leader stirs diplomatic tensions by visiting disputed islands also claimed by Japan Islands lie half way between the two nations Their sovereignty has long been disputed by two countries Japan has responded by recalling its South Korean ambassador By HELEN COLLIS PUBLISHED: 19:25 GMT, 10 August 2012 | UPDATED: 13:54 GMT, 11 August 2012 Lee Myung-bak, president of South Korea, has visited islands claimed by Japan, fuelling a long-standing tension between the two countries. Both lay claim to the islands - known as Dokdo in South Korea, and as Takeshim in Japan - which lie roughly half way between the two nations. Japan responded immediately by recalling its ambassador from South Korea, according to a Kyodo news agency. Japan has also summoned the South Korean ambassador to Tokyo.

President Lee Myung-bak, pictured, has fuelled tensions with Japan by visiting islands both countries lay claim to The two countries have also postponed an annual meeting between their finance ministers as an apparent consequence of the visit. The islands are small, however they lie in fishing grounds which could also contain large gas deposits.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, pictured, has reacted quickly to the South Korean visit He continued: 'I believe it is necessary for the Japanese government to take a resolute stance on this matter.' Since 1954 South Korea has stationed a small coastguard attachment on the islands. The South Korean premier's visit was the first since 2008 when then Prime Minister Han Seung-soo visited, sparking a similar row. In 2008 South Korea withdrew its ambassador to Japan after an Japanese educational book claimed Japan owned the islands. And last month the diplomatic tensions were raised after a South Korean man rqmmed his truck against the Japanese embassy, in protest over the latter's claim to the islands. Security was stepped up by South Korea for today's visit, according to the country's Yonhap news agency. The tensions flared as the two countries prepared to face each other today on the football pitch at the London 2012 Olympics, playing for a bronze medal.

The disputed islands lie half way between the two nations that claim ownership over them http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-19240600 South Koreans swim to disputed islands amid Japan row The swimmers are headed for islets that are disputed by South Korea and Japan Related Stories S Korean visit to disputed islets Profile: Dokdo/Takeshima islands S Korea football medal withheld

More than 40 South Koreans have begun a relay swim of more than 200km (124 miles) to islands also claimed by Japan amid a serious diplomatic row between the two neighbours. The swimmers are headed for the islands known as Dokdo in South Korea and Takeshima in Japan. Their swim follows the first-ever visit of a South Korean president to the islands on Friday. The visit has infuriated Japan, which recalled its ambassador to South Korea. The islands, which are roughly equidistant from the two countries, are small but lie in fishing grounds which could also contain large gas deposits. A South Korean coastguard detachment has been stationed there since 1954. Continue reading the main story Known as Dokdo (Solitary islands) in Korea, Takeshima (Bamboo islands) in Japan Also known as Liancourt rocks Claimed by Japan and South Korea, but occupied by South Korea since 1954 Just 230,000 sq m in size, with no fresh water But surrounding waters valuable for their fishing Profile: Dokdo/Takeshima islands The team of swimmers, led by South Korean singer Kim Jang-hoon, plan to reach the islands on Wednesday, which marks the anniversary of the country's liberation from Japan in 1945. "Dokdo belongs to the Republic of Korea, so we will shout, 'Go for it with the Republic of Korea,'" Mr Kim told reporters before the swim began. In another apparent statement on the islands, South Korea has also revealed plans to name a group of spindle trees on the island as a national monument, Yonhap news agency reports. The designation will be formalised after public consultations and a state committee screening, it said. The latest incidents follow a series of exchanges between South Korea and Japan on the disputed islands over the weekend. South Korean President Lee Myung-bak's visit prompted Japan to summon the South Korean ambassador to file a complaint and recall its ambassador in Seoul. Japan had also said over the weekend that it might take the dispute to the International Court of Justice.

A South Korean football player in the Olympics was also penalised on Saturday for displaying a political sign after the country's team won against Japan. The International Olympic Committee barred midfielder Park Jong-woo from taking part in the medal ceremony, withheld his bronze medal and asked football's governing body, Fifa, to discipline him.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20120812070617AA2dHgr

 The reason why dokdo is korea territory In 1877, japan goverment declared publicly like " Dokdo is korea's territory" As dokdo island of the korean peninsula, was ruled by the MacArthur Line at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers when we found a Republic of Korea we accept it legally from US military. Dokdo, the lost territory by the war of aggression, is regained according to the Cairo Declaration dokdo is recorded clearly as our land at the document of a government compilation in the Joseon Dynasty period "Ulleung Island and dokdo belong to the island province of Korea" - Japan in 2005 (1696) proved that via Ahn documents found in Shimane Prefecture- Dokdo is the island to be able to see with the naked eye from Ulleung Island, it can't be separated with Ulleung Island's sovereignty There is circumstantial evidence like that after the Usanguk conquest of Silla in 512 years, dokdo had been dominated effectively above information from the internet. There are two permanent Korean citizens, Kim Sung-do (김성도) and Kim Shin-yeol (김신열), living on the islets, who make a living from fishing. In addition to these residents, there are 37 South Korean police officers (독도경비대/獨島警備隊) who take residence on guard duty. There are also three Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries personnel, and three lighthouse keepers living on the islets in rotation. In the past, several fishermen also lived on the islets temporarily. wikipedia's information. I think Dokdo is apparently belongs in South Korea. Because korean live in there and there are Korea's police. Also there was a happening that the Japanese lawmaker were rejected to visit Dokdo by Korea's government. Japanese government want to make Dokdo as an dispute territory. But Dokdo is Korea's territory. Source(s): internet and my opinion

   http://english.donga.com/srv/service.php3?bicode=060000&biid=2012081307008

 Japan seeks to bring Dokdo dispute to Int`l Court of Justice AUGUST 14, 2012 23:23 The Japanese government is trying everything to counteract the effects of President Lee Myung-bak’s visit to the disputed Dokdo islets this week. The ruling Democratic Party of Japan is apparently using the Dokdo incident as a way to recover its disgrace caused by its previously flabby responses to territorial disputes with China over the Senkaku Islands (called Daowidao in China) and with Russia over four Kuril islands that have provoked criticism from opposition parties and right-wing groups. Against this backdrop, Tokyo has established an agency to deal with territorial issues. The Office of the Cabinet set up a state-run think tank to respond to northern territorial issues starting with the dispute with Russia over four Kuril islands. This is the first time, however, that the Japanese government has set up an agency to tackle territorial conflicts with other countries. Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba sarcastically quoted President Lee’s slogan of "Global Korea" to press Seoul to resolve the Dokdo issue to the International Court of Justice. Rep. Seiji Maehara, a pro-Korea politician and chairman of the Policy Research Committee, said, “The Korean government should simply claim Dokdo as Korean territory at the International Court of Justice if it`s so sure about its sovereignty over the islets.” A trial cannot be held by the international court unless both parties agree. Tokyo asked Seoul to bring the case to the court in 1954 and 1962, but Korea said no and added, “Japan simply wants to make a false claim in court. There’s no reason for Korea to be confirmed by the (International Court of Justice) about its sovereignty over Dokdo because Dokdo has always been Korea’s territory throughout history.” Japan has strategically kept asking Korea to agree to a trial to give the impression that Dokdo is internationally disputed territory. The Japanese daily Nihon Keizai Shimbun quoted a high-ranking official of the Japanese Foreign Ministry as saying, “If the Japanese government keeps filing a petition with the International Court of Justice, the Korean counterpart cannot help giving official briefings on the matter. This can let the world know that Japan has interest in Dokdo.” Tokyo is also considering further measures including cancellation of meetings between the heads and high-ranking officials of the two countries. Japan is considering sending a maritime survey vessel to the Dokdo area as the Koizumi administration did in 2006. Critics cite unnecessary strain in relations between the two countries. They say the Korea-U.S.-Japan alliance is inevitable against China’s expanding power and North Korea’s nuclear threat. Japanese Foreign Minister Gemba showed a careful approach on the suspension of the shuttle diplomacy between Seoul and Tokyo by saying, “Territorial issues shall be solved at the territorial level.” The Japanese government is expected to decide on more options after President Lee’s speech Wednesday marking Liberation Day, when Korea was freed from Japanese colonial rule in 1945. http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2012/08/13/2003540188
　

S. Korea raps Japan over islands

OPENING OLD WOUNDS:Japan’s claims over the islands were a strong source of resentment among the South Koreans, says the country’s ruling party’s spokesman

AFP, SEOUL

South Korea’s Park Jong-woo holds a sign reading “Dokdo is our territory” after their soccer match at the London 2012 Olympic Games on Friday.
Photo: Reuters
South Korea’s ruling party hit back at Japan yesterday in a bitter row over disputed islands, saying any move by Tokyo to take the issue to an international court would be “imprudent.”
The territorial row over the Seoul-controlled islands has simmered for decades, but erupted again Friday when the South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak visited the volcanic outcrops in the Sea of Japan.
An angry Japan recalled its ambassador from Seoul and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said the trip — the first by a South Korean president — was “extremely deplorable.”
INTERNATIONAL COURT
Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Koichiro Gemba said on Saturday that Tokyo could ask the International Court of Justice to settle the row over the islands, known as Dokdo in Korea and Takeshima in Japan.
The South Korean’s ruling New Frontier Party said any such move would be an act of “imprudence” and called on Japan to fully repent its harsh colonial rule over Korea from 1910 to 1945 — a source of resentment among many elderly Koreans.
Hong Il-Pyo, a party spokesman, said in a statement quoted by Yonhap news agency that Japan’s “preposterous” claim over Dokdo had stirred anger among the South Koreans.
Hong also cited Japanese school textbooks, which critics say distort history, and Tokyo’s refusal to address grievances of elderly Korean women forced into Japanese military brothels during World War II.
HISTORICAL DISPUTES
“We denounce such attitudes by Japan. And if it continues to lay claim over Dokdo, we cannot but take it as a refusal to abandon Japan’s will towards invading Korean territory,” Hong said.
Historical disputes continue to mar the two countries’ relationship, despite close economic ties and shared concerns over North Korea’s missile and nuclear program.
Japan may find it difficult to bring the island issue to the court, which requires an agreement between the disputing parties to make its ruling binding.
South Korea rejected repeated proposals by Japan in the 1950s and 1960s to let the court rule on the issue.

At the London Olympics on Saturday, South Korea’s Park Jong-Woo was barred from the men’s soccer medals ceremony after he celebrated hi-s team’s victory over Japan by holding up a banner laying claim to the disputed island chain.
The 23-year-old midfielder was pictured on the pitch with a sign saying, “Dokdo is our land.”


http://dokdo-or-takeshima.blogspot.jp/2008/03/2008-10-issues-of-takeshima-by-mofa.html

(mochi thinking)
there is some difference in those maps which japan shows and Korea does.
a couple of island often moves even in modern GPS map made from outer space.....