"We Could Consider Arbitration by a Third Country to Resolve the Issue of Comfort Women"
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[경향신문]
On January 17, the newly appointed ambassador to Japan, Kang Chang-il (pictured) spoke on the historical conflicts between South Korea and Japan and said, “We need to put our heads together and seriously discuss the issue to seek a political solution.” As for Japan’s opposition to the South Korean court’s recent ruling on compensation for the victims of sexual slavery in the Japanese military, Kang said that he could consider arbitration by a third country.
In a videoconference with the foreign ministry press, Kang also spoke on bilateral conflicts surrounding the court ruling on forced labor and said, “We learned the lesson that getting our history problems mixed with economic problems is not helpful to either South Korea or Japan.” He continued and said, “We must not repeat the mistakes of the past in our response (to the comfort women ruling).”
As for the possibility of the Japanese government filing a case against South Korea and presenting the latest court ruling on the comfort women before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Kang said, “If there is a problem with the treaty between South Korea and Japan, there is also the option of seeking arbitration by a third country, in addition to the ICJ,” and added, “If we are to respond, perhaps we can consider this (third-country arbitration).”
In 2019, the Japanese government opposed a South Korean court ruling on compensation for forced labor and requested the establishment of an arbitration committee based on the 1965 claims treaty between South Korea and Japan. The South Korean government did not respond, and instead suggested a “1+1” scheme, in which companies of both countries voluntarily provide funds for the compensation. Kang’s comment seems to hint at the possibility of accepting arbitration by a third country, when it comes to the comfort women issue, but it is likely to stir controversy, for it goes against the incumbent government’s position. A Cheongwadae official said, “He (Kang) has never discussed such views with the president.”
As for the court ruling on compensation for forced labor, Kang said, “There are many ways to resolve this issue, while upholding one’s purpose and principles,” and said, “I have already counted twelve ways.” He stressed, “The law is the law. We must solve this problem politically.”
Kang said, “He (President Moon Jae-in) asked me to work to restore normal relations with Japan and to strengthen bilateral cooperation.” He added, “I said I would play whatever role is necessary for a successful Olympic Games in Tokyo. I also told the president that I wanted to meet and have a frank conversation with Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.”
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