“Awareness of the issue… High-level negotiations needed
It seems that the two countries have narrowed their differences in the way of apology.
A summit could be held in March at the earliest
The South Korean and Japanese governments, which are in last-minute negotiations to resolve the issue of compensation for victims of forced labor during the Japanese occupation, have decided to go from working-level negotiations at the director-general level to parallel high-level negotiations. In order to find a final agreement on key issues, such as the participation of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, a war criminal company responsible for compensation, and Nippon Steel in the process of reimbursing compensation to victims of forced labor by raising a fund by a foundation under the Korean government, negotiations were held at high-levels such as ministers and vice-ministers. that was to be raised.
An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, after the director-general-level consultations between Korea and Japan held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul on the 30th, was asked, “Compared to the director-general-level consultations held in Japan just before (16th),” when asked whether Japan has come up with advanced measures to respond, an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “There is a difference in perception on key issues between the two countries. He replied, “We are discussing in a very broad and specific way.” The official also added, “It is a situation that requires omnidirectional consultations,” adding, “I think that high-level consultations will also be needed in the process of accelerating and wide-ranging consultations.” Issues that can be discussed at the working level can be interpreted as meaning that now is the time to make decisions through high-level consultations as the two countries have sufficiently exchanged opinions.
According to the Dong-A Ilbo, the differences between the two countries regarding the method of apology by the Japanese government and companies to the victims were reportedly narrowed during the director-level consultation that day. However, there is a difference of opinion over whether and how Japanese companies will participate in raising funds for the Korean foundation, so they will pass it on to a high-ranking official.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to meet with the victims of forced labor and bereaved families individually to explain in detail the progress of the intergovernmental discussions and listen to their opinions before the announcement of the negotiations.
This official also said, “When the current issue (the issue of compensation for forced labor) is resolved, there will naturally be exchanges between the leaders, including shuttle diplomacy.” In other words, if an agreement is reached at high-level talks, it will lead to a Korea-Japan summit. However, the possibility of the Korea-Japan summit, which the two countries considered holding next month, could be held in March at the earliest is being discussed. In a phone call with The Dong-A Ilbo, a key government official said, “This is because there are many sensitive issues, such as the two countries having to look at their own public opinion regarding the resolution of forced labor.” At the same time, he said, “The point of normalization of Korea-Japan relations will not pass spring (this year).”
Reporter Shin Jin-woo [email protected]
Reporter Ko Do-ye [email protected]
