South Korea recalls ambassador to Japan

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Source: CCTV.com | 07-15-2008 13:17

South Korea is recalling its ambassador in Tokyo after Japan stepped up its claim to the ownership of a group of islands controlled by Seoul.

An aerial view shows Dokdo islets, known as ''Takeshima''(Xinhua/AFP Photo)

Japan's Education Ministry announced on Monday its plan to define the disputed Dokdo islands, called Takeshima in Japan, as part of Japanese territory in a middle school teaching textbook to be used from 2012.

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak expressed his disappointment and regret over the renewed claim.He claimed, "President Lee said the Dokdo issue is not only a historical problem but also an issue of territorial sovereignty, so it is not a matter for dispute. President Lee indicated that the situation has to be dealt with strictly and firmly."

The South Korean Foreign Ministry added it would bring home it ambassador to Japan after he launcheda strong protest with Japan's Foreign Ministry.

Japan's ambassador to South Korea, Toshinori Shigeie, was also summoned later on Monday by South Korean Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan to receive a formal complaint.

Japan's chief Cabinet secretary, Nobutaka Machimura, said the decision had been taken because many people think the full facts about Takeshima should be taught, in order to deepen understanding of Japan's land and territory. He said, "We would like to avoid a situation where relations between Japan and South Korea are gravely affected by each and every issue that comes up."

Machimura also appealed to South Korea to handle the dispute calmly.

Editor:Zhang Yue