Statement by MOFAT Spokesperson on Japanese Prime Minister's Visit to the Yasukuni Shrine

Seoul--(뉴스와이어)--Our Government expresses deep disappointment and anger over Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's repeated act on August 15, of paying tribute to the Yasukuni Shrine which whitewashes and justifies Japan's history of militarism and invasions.

Prime Minister Koizumi has been damaging Korea-Japan relations and friendly cooperative ties in Northeast Asia by paying tribute to the Yasukuni Shrine with a nationalist point of view, despite repeated concerns and protest by the international community.

If Japan truly has the will to take on responsible roles in the international community while contributing to peace and co-prosperity of the region, it must first build mutual trust with its neighboring countries by facing up to the historical truth and taking on corresponding acts.

Once again, we strongly urge Japanese leaders in responsible positions not to hinder the development of friendly relations between Korea and Japan as well as the maintenance of peace and cooperation in Northeast Asia by paying tribute to the Yasukuni Shrine.