Japan adopts resolutions on disputed islets issues

TOKYO - Japan's lower house adopted a resolution on Friday in protest at South Korean President Lee Myung-bak's visit to the disputed islands and remarks made by Lee regarding Japan's Emperor Akihito.

Japan sent a letter to President Lee Myung-bak last Friday written by Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, saying Japan will propose to resolve the issue peacefully under the international law and urged the South Korean side to act with a broad view of bilateral relations.

But the South Korean government on Thursday returned the letter and Japan decided to take it without sending it out for another time. "Given the dignity of our nation's diplomacy, it is not good" to continue the exchanges over the letter, said Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba.

Bilateral relations between Japan and South Korea have grown intense and complex for the disputed islets issues, and cooperation on economic and trade has been dampened.

The lower house also adopted a resolution criticizing the landing of Chinese activists on the Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea.

The House of Councilors, or the upper house, is expected to adopt similar resolutions next week.