Public Statement of Gyeongsangbuk-do province regarding Sinemas presentation of a bill to establish ‘Takeshimas Day’
○ Gyeongsangbuk-do province, Republic of Korea and Sinema prefecture, Japan have maintained a close sisterhood friendship and have supported international exchange in various fields for 15 years since setting up sisterhood relationship in October 1989.
○ Especially Korea and Japan designated this year as ‘the Year of Korea-Japan Friendship 2005’ to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between both countries. A variety of events are planed to celebrate ‘the Year of Korea-Japan Friendship 2005’ throughout 2005.
○ But Sinema prefecture destroyed the warm atmosphere by highlighting the sensitive territory matter. It is trying to establish ‘Takeshimas Day’ and local stations broadcast publication commercials about Dokdo(Takeshima).
○ Gyeongsangbuk-do expressed regret on the 4th of February, 2005 over the provocative behaviors and sent its clear message to Sinema prefecture. In spite of our flat resolution, the local diet of Sinema prefecture presented a bill to establish ‘Takeshimas Day’.
○ Gyeongsangbuk-do truly hopes that Sinema prefecture would not destroy the precious friendship which have been accumulated between the two provinces and Sinema prefecture would act smartly. Gyeongsangbuk-do will take the following acts to express our regret at Sinema prefecture.
1. Gyeongsangbuk-do will stop all international exchange with Sinema prefecture as long as Sinema prefecture does not withdraw the all behaviors including the establishment of ‘Takeshimas Day’.
2. Gyeongsangbuk-do will recall the exchange official home and will not allow the Japanese exchange official to attend the Gyeongsangbuk-do office.
