Presidential Spokesperson Lee Dong-kwan made the following remarks in a briefing this afternoon.

Concerning the Report that Japan will Describe Dokdo as Japanese Territory in Textbooks

Some media reports alleged that Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda informed the Korean Government of Japan’s plan to define Dokdo Island as part of its territory in Japanese school textbooks during the Korea-Japan Summit held on July 9 in Toyako, Hokkaido. But, these reports are simply not true.

There was no such discussion during the brief informal meeting between the Korean President and the Japanese Prime Minister on the sidelines of the expanded G-8 Summit meeting on July 9. On the contrary, at the meeting, President Lee Myung-bak conveyed to Prime Minister Fukuda his serious concern about the possibility of describing Japan’s claim to sovereignty over Dokdo Island in guidebooks for Japanese school textbooks. In response, the Japanese Prime Minister said he fully understood the Korean Government’s position.

I want to make it crystal clear again that Dokdo Island is Korean territory historically, geographically and under international law, so it does not constitute a subject of dispute.

Concerning the Shooting of a South Korean Tourist at Geumgangsan

At the emergency meeting of related ministers on the 12th, President Lee commented on the recent incident in the Geumgangsan (Diamond Mountains) tourism complex in the North. He instructed the participants to take proper measures. Related government organizations are already taking necessary measures in phases.

Yet again, it should be noted that it is truly deplorable that a defenseless tourist was shot to death by a North Koreansoldier. As this incident concerns the safety and life of our people, the Government will take full responsibility in clarifying the case.

In this regard, the Government once again urges the North to cooperate with the South’s fact-finding efforts.

Concerning the Diversion of State Records to Former President Roh’s Residence

There have been different allegations by former President Roh Moo-hyun and by some in political circles over Mr. Roh’s diversion of some state records to his private residence. But the essence of the case is crystal clear.

The fact of the matter is that some state records concerning important national security affairs have been illegally diverted and that they are being kept and managed by a private entity. We have reiterated a number of times that this incident involved obvious violations of the law. It is noteworthy that the law that was violated was initiated by President Roh himself while in office.

Therefore, it is incumbent on the former President to return the state records in question to the Government without delay instead of repeating useless explanations. The state records should be returned promptly to where they belong.