Firm Action Needed Against Japans Claims

Dear editor,

I want to make some suggestions about Korea's attitude toward the easternmost islets of Dokdo. Every year I hear news about the conflict between Korea and Japan over the islets.

Especially, this year the issue about Dokdo is making headlines once again. I read the articles and watch the news and note again that the Korean government still has an indecisive attitude toward the problem.

Dokdo is unequivocally our land given many historical facts and documents. Sometimes we shout out our rights with emotion and it is not an absurd voice.

In spite of people's voices, the government has disregarded Japan's territorial claims to Dokdo. Last week, the government and the governing Grand National Party announced a project to make Dokdo ``habitable.''

But it would be more accurate to say that the plan is to make Dokdo ``more'' habitable. The problem about the government's plan is whether it is feasible.

The area is designated as a natural preservation area, any development plan must be approved by the Cultural Heritage Administration.

I'm wondering if it is easy to implement. While the government is hesitating, the international atmosphere is siding with Japan more and more. The U.S. previously said that Dokdo belonged to Korea, but it has recently changed its position.

The U.S. accepted two geographical names ― Dokdo (Tok Island) in Korean and Takeshima in Japanese. And the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN) changed its position to describe Dokdo as ``undesignated sovereignty" last week. But on Wednesday, the agency was told to describe the islets as being Korean at the instruction of President George W. Bush.

But what I want to point out is that the Korean government didn't know about the change at all. How stupid we are. The government should wake up and protect the country's territorial rights on Dokdo. It should build national consensus on the islets reflecting the opinions of civil society and the academic community.

Furthermore, they should try to get the support of the international community and establish justification for informing the historical truth about Dokdo.

Finally, Korea's actions should be firm and resolute toward Japan. Also we have to try to convince the Japanese that they are in the wrong as far as Dokdo is concerned.

Dokdo is a symbol of Korea's independence and the nation's dedication to world peace. The Korean government should be more sensible and accurate.

Jeong Yu-jin

Cheonan

South Chungcheong Province