The South Korean government decided Monday to force Japan to
withdraw its planned maritime survey on waters around disputed
islets in the East Sea (Sea of Japan) as a first step to resolve
the escalating row, government officials told reporters.
"The government believes the most desirable (solution) is to
have Japan withdraw its planned survey," said an official of the
Foreign Ministry.
The comments came after an emergency meeting convened by the
president on how to deal with Japan's survey plan near Dokdo, which
is under control of South Korea while Japan also claims
sovereignty.
The government has decided to first try and resolve the renewed
dispute with Japan through diplomatic means, but it will take
emergency steps, possibly including the use of force when
necessary, the official said.
The Yonhap News Agency said ministers discussed detailed and
step-by-step measures against Japan's planned survey during the
meeting.
"The government is convinced that there can be no compromise on
the territorial issue," the official added.
Japan announced last Friday to carry out a maritime survey on
waters around the islets of Dokdo, which is called as "Takeshima"
by Japan. South Korea reacted with an immediate warning against it
and reiterated sovereignty over the islets.
South Korea insists the Dokdo islets, located some 89 kilometers
southeast to South Korean Uleung Island and 160 kilometers
northwest to Japanese Oki Island, have been listed as its territory
in history literature since the fifth century. While Japan claims
the islets has been its territory since 17 century, as written in
literature.
(Xinhua News Agency April 18, 2006)
