1. The Government of the Republic of Korea expresses deep regret over the Japanese government's authorization on March 28 of elementary school textbooks that follow the path of unjustifiable claims that have continued for decades.

2. Particularly, the ROK government strongly protests against the fact that the Japanese government once again authorized textbooks containing its preposterous claims over Dokdo, which is clearly an integral part of the ROK territory historically, geographically and under international law. The ROK government makes it clear that Japanese claims over Dokdo are entirely unacceptable.

3. Furthermore, the ROK government expresses strong regret over the changes in the expressions and descriptions regarding the issue of forced labor victims during Japanese colonial rule, in a manner that dilutes their coercive nature. The ROK government urges the Japanese government to sincerely put into practice the spirit of apology and remorse for its past history, as already expressed by the Japanese government itself.

4. The Japanese government, squarely facing history, should show a more responsible attitude toward educating its youth, as establishing constructive and future-oriented relations between the two countries depends on a correct understanding of history among the young generation, who will be shaping the future.