Taro Kono

“ Above all, the decisions completely overthrow the legal foundation of the friendly and cooperative relationship that Japan and the Republic of Korea have developed since the normalization of diplomatic relations in 1965. Japan has long placed an emphasis on the rule of law in the international community. ”

“ The Government of the Republic of Korea, however, did not follow the procedures set forth in Article III of the Agreement and failed to comply with its obligation not only to appoint an arbitrator, but also to choose a third country, the government of which is to appoint an arbitrator for the Contracting Party, within the period provided for in the Agreement. Japan deeply regrets that, as a consequence, an arbitration board under the Agreement referred to on 20 May could not be constituted. ”