Ministerial Meeting on the Territorial Issue of Takeshima

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda attended a ministerial meeting on the territorial issue of Takeshima at the Prime Minister's Office on August 21, 2012.

Discussion took place on the future efforts to be made by the government based on the present state of the territorial issue of Takeshima, and other matters.

Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said, "Takeshima is an inherent part of the territory of Japan both in light of historical facts and based on international law. The visit by President Lee Myung-bak of the Republic of Korea (ROK) on August 10 and by other ministers of the ROK thereafter runs counter to Japan's position and is extremely  regrettable.
Japan must take resolute measures in response.
We made confirmation today in this meeting about the proposal (to the ROK government) to institute proceedings before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) by a special agreement, and to request Conciliation based on the Exchange of Notes Concerning Settlement of Dispute between Japan and the ROK.
I would like to request the government of the ROK to boldly accept the proposal.
Through the thorough discussion among relevant ministries, I would like to ask three things: first, the strengthening of careful preparation for peaceful solutions to the dispute according to international law and of the communication of the Japanese position to other countries; second, the reinforcing of the governmental structure to respond to the territorial issue of Takeshima; third, thorough consideration of possible measures to be taken and speedy response through "all Japan" efforts.
At the same time, Japan and the ROK are important neighboring countries that share common values. I would like to ask the ROK to handle this thoughtfully and deliberately, also in order to develop a future-oriented relation between the two countries."

Related Link
Press Conference by Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda (August 24, 2012)