Opposition: "Japanese Government Attendees Should Have Coordinated During Negotiations"
Japan's memorial ceremony for the workers of Sado Mine, which was promised as part of the UNESCO World Heritage registration, was initially expected to be held within this month, but it appears it will be delayed.
On the 11th, at the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee plenary session, Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yeol responded to a related inquiry from Assemblyman Cho Sung-sik of the Democratic Party of Korea, stating, "There is also the Liberal Democratic Party leadership election in Japan, and political factors seem to be considered," indicating that it would be difficult for the memorial ceremony promised by Japan to be held in September.
He added, "We are coordinating the date (between Korea and Japan)" and "We are communicating."
When asked if he plans to attend the memorial ceremony in person, Minister Cho said, "I have not yet considered it," but when asked if a high-level official should attend, he replied, "I am thinking along those lines."
Additionally, Minister Cho stated in response to Assemblyman Lee Jae-jung of the Democratic Party that the memorial ceremony will be held within this year, and that he conveyed to the Japanese side the position that it would be preferable for the Japanese central government to attend the ceremony.
When Assemblyman Lee pointed out, "Shouldn't detailed aspects such as attendees have been discussed in advance during the negotiation process?" Minister Cho replied, "When negotiations are over, there are always some regrets."
Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the results of the Korea-Japan negotiations regarding the UNESCO World Heritage registration of Japan's Sado Mine in July. It included that the memorial ceremony for the Sado Mine workers would be held annually around July to August at the Sado site starting this year. At that time, the Ministry explained, "Although memorial ceremonies by Japanese private organizations have occasionally taken place, the ceremony promised by the Japanese side this time is significant in that government officials from Japan will also participate."
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