South Korea today urged Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi not to visit the Yasukuni Shrine which includes war criminals of the World War II.
In a statement, the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said Koizumi's announced intent is regrettable as the shrine honors war criminals who perpetrated indescribable personaland physical damage in neighboring countries.
"It is desirable for Koizumi to abstain from making a visit to the shrine on August 15 in consideration of the sentiment of neighboring countries as he is not a private citizen but an official representing his country," the statement said.
At a parliamentary session on Wednesday, the Japanese prime minister said it is regrettable that the annual visit to the shrine is a perennial diplomatic problem as the visit aims to pay respect to the people who sacrificed their lives for their country.
"South Korea and China should stop taking issue diplomatically with the Japanese prime minister's visit to the shrine on August 15," said Koizumi.
(eastday.com 06/01/2001)
