S.Korean president leaves for Takeshima

S.Korean president leaves for Takeshima

by sagarmedia on August 10, 2012

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak is on his way to the disputed Takeshima islands in the Sea of Japan.South Korean government said Lee left Seoul at 10:00 AM on Friday and has arrived at nearby Ulleungdo Island. Lee is meeting government officials there and will then visit the disputed islands, known as Dokdo in South Korea, if the weather allows.This will be the first visit to the island group by a South Korean President.The presidential office said part of the purpose of Lee’s visit to the area is to confirm how the environment on Ulleungdo Island is being protected. Lee’s ministers of environment and culture are reportedly accompanying him.
Lee appears to be stressing this purpose rather than the visit to the disputed island group, in view of Japan’s protests.The disputed islets are controlled by South Korea but are inherent Japanese territory, belonging to Shimane Prefecture. Japanese government has urged that the visit be cancelled, saying it will aggravate tensions between the two countries.Relations with Japan will turn sour if Lee sets foot on the islets.Lee appears to be stressing this purpose rather than the visit to the disputed island group, in view of Japan’s protests.The disputed islets are controlled by South Korea but are inherent Japanese territory, belonging to Shimane Prefecture. Japanese government has urged that the visit be cancelled, saying it will aggravate tensions between the two countries.Relations with Japan will turn sour if Lee sets foot on the islets.South Korean President Lee Myung-bak’s planned visit to the Takeshima islets on Friday seems to be aimed at restoring his leadership.
Lee’s grip on power continues to decline following a string of bribery scandals involving his brother and former aides. His presidential term ends in February.Lee is facing increasing public criticism over his handling of the territorial dispute with Japan. He is also under pressure on the issue of Korean women who were forced to work at brothels for Japanese soldiers during World War Two.Last December, a civic group erected a monument symbolizing the so-called comfort women. It has been set up in front of the Japanese embassy in Seoul.Lee asked Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda to resolve the issue several days later when they met for bilateral summit talks in Kyoto.South Korea’s opposition parties are calling for a stronger stance on Japan. Lee’s response to such issues could influence the selection of the ruling party’s candidate in the December presidential election.