Statement
The Resolution of the Prefectural Ordinance on the so-called ;Dokdo day; by the Shimane Prefectural Assembly, Japan -
Based on geographical nearness, the Province of Gyeongsangbuk-do and the Shimane Prefecture have developed long-lasting exchanges.
Both regions have contributed to promoting the friendly ties and exchanges of goodwill between the two countries through cooperation and exchanges for the past 15 years since the establishment of the arrangement on sisterhood on October 6, 1989.
If the Shimane prefectural assembly forced to pass the resolution on the ordinance to designate this day as the so-called ;Takeshima day;, with a growing sense of concern of the Korean government and Korean People, it will be regarded as an aggressive act against Dokdo which clearly falls under the jurisdiction of the Republic of Korea historically as well as in international law, deserting mutual trust and friendship with the Province of Gyeongsangbuk-do hitherto.
IMPEACHING such an act of the Shimane Prefecture in the name of all the Korean people,
NOW THEREFORE, I, the Governor of the Province of Gyeongsangbuk-do,
the Republic of Korea, proclaim domestically and internationally as follows :
Dokdo administratively belongs to Ulleungdo, Dokdos address is San 1-37, Dokdo-ri, Ulleung-eup, Ulleung-gun(County), Gyeongsangbuk-do(Province, Republic of Korea).
Historically speaking, Dokdo was called Usan-guk(Usan State) in 512 A.D., and currently is called Dokdo, for the past 1500 years. It has been under the jurisdiction of the Republic of Korea under the supervision of Korean ancestors.
For thousands of years, Dokdo has been an important area for the people of the province of Gyeongsangbuk-do as a fishery zone and is a beautiful island under the jurisdiction of Gyeongsangbuk-do, in an effort to preserve the ecosystem of Dokdo with habitats of a variety of biomass etc. Ecologically, the government of the Republic of Korea designated it as a natural monument.
Today, such an aggressive act of the Shimane Prefectural Assembly which intended to violate the Gyeongsangbuk-do citizens treasure and property is a rash act unprecedented in international diplomatic relations between local governments and a challenge against the sovereign state and an outrage against humanity. Thats why it should be accused.
This year is designated as Korea-Japan Friendship Year by the two countries and a series of goodwill events are scheduled, it is intolerable that a series of aggressive acts committed by Japan. That is just like an act of betrayal, so called ;camouflage diplomacy; that is, ;a honeyed tongue, but a heart of gall;.
The Province of Gyeongsangbuk-do gave a serious warning against such an act of the Shimane Prefecture through repeated protests and statements, but this day, its Assembly committed such rash acts. It demonstrates that the Shimane Prefecture has no intention of keeping the friendly ties and friendship.
THEREFORE, I clearly state that the Province of Gyeongsangbuk-do shall withdraw the sister-city relations and proclaim the rupture of the bilateral exchanges with the Shimane prefecture.
In the future, the Province of Gyeongsangbuk-do will make every effort to protect the territory of the Republic of Korea with all the Korean nationals, and frame a wide range of policies to protect Dokdo, which is a beautiful island under the jurisdiction of Gyeongsangbuk-do.
March 16, 2005
Lee, Eui Geun,
Governor Province of Gyeongsangbuk-do. Republic of Korea.
