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No.141 SIM音読用英文

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S. Korea, Japan Explore Diplomatic Exit From Tense Island Dispute
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South Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman Choo Kyu-ho said

a "physical clash" remained a possibility Thursday,

as Japanese and South Korean vessels prepare

for a potential face-off in disputed waters.

Japan says it is briefly delaying plans to conduct an oceanographic survey

near islands claimed by both nations.

South Korea calls the islands Dokdo.

Japan, which calls them Takeshima, seized the islands in 1905,

when it imposed 35 years of harsh colonial rule
              
on the Korean peninsula.

South Korean authorities at the highest levels are denouncing
Tokyo's survey plans

as an aggressive provocation.

Officials here on Thursday rejected Japan's offer

to call off the survey,

if South Korea would abandon attempts to give Korean names
                    
to maritime features in the area.

At least 20 South Korean coast guard vessels backed by aircraft
are heading

to the disputed area.

Japanese media report

two Japanese coast guard vessels are preparing

to conduct the controversial survey.

Forecasters have predicted high winds and waves in the area,

but Tokyo says

an attempt at diplomacy, and not the weather, has delayed
the mission temporarily.

Japan's chief cabinet secretary, Shinzo Abe, said Thursday

that both countries are hoping for a peaceful resolution.

Abe says a calm response is necessary,

and says contacts between Japan and South Korea are taking place.

Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso says

talks have been going on

between vice ministers and ambassadors of both countries.

South Korean Foreign Minster Ban Ki-moon summoned Japan's ambassador

to South Korea Thursday

for discussions aimed at clarifying Seoul's position.
   
But South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun is continuing to talk tough.
                  
A day after he suggested

Seoul's days of "quiet diplomacy" with Japan may be ending,

he hinted Thursday at a further hardening of his foreign policy.

In a meeting with Christian leaders, Mr. Roh said

good will alone may not be enough

to resolve the dispute.

Mr. Roh says South Korea is facing a difficult situation,

which may not be solvable with words alone.

He says South Korea will need both wisdom and courage in the days ahead.

Kurt Achin, VOA News, Seoul.
by danueno | 2006-04-26 16:31 | SIM音読用英文


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