Japan to return its ambassador to Seoul

Japan is sending its ambassador Masatoshi Muto back to South Korea after recalling the diplomat in protest over a territorial dispute. Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba told reporters on Wednesday that Muto is returning to Seoul that day to express Japan's position on the territorial dispute from inside South Korea. The Japanese government had recalled the ambassador earlier this month after South Korean President Lee Myung-bak visited the Takeshima islets claimed by Japan. The islets in the Sea of Japan are known as Dokdo in South Korea and are currently controlled by that country. Gemba said the ambassador's return is in line with Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's policy to resolve the dispute peacefully based on international law, and step up efforts to explain Japan's position to the international community, according to (NHK World) website. Gemba said Japan had also sent a protest to South Korea on Tuesday about a remark made by South Korean Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan. Kim echoed President Lee's sudden demand that Japan's emperor apologize for colonial rule of the peninsula if he visits South Korea. Kim said if there is something to apologize for, the emperor should do so. Gemba said these repeated remarks by senior South Korean officials are regrettable and not constructive, and not in the best interests of the country.