S. Korean lawmakers denounce Tokyo governor`s remarks

SEOUL, Jan. 14 (Yonhap) -- South Korean political parties united on Wednesday to
denounce a controversial comment on North Korea by Tokyo's governor, calling it
an "absurd remark stemming from arrogance and ignorance."
"The easiest way to resolve all problems with North Korea is for it to be
integrated into China," Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara was quoted as saying by
Kyodo News on Tuesday. "This would be the easiest way, even for the United States
... I wouldn't imagine that China would object to that, although there might be
some opposition from South Korea," he said.
Describing the remark as "something in the sewer," Yoon Sang-hyun, spokesman for
the ruling Grand National Party, said he doesn't think it's worthwhile to comment
on such an absurd remark. "Ishihara's remark can be taken as an example of to
what extent ignorance can destroy a person."
Kim Yoo-jung, spokeswoman of the main opposition Democratic Party, said, "How can
he make such a remark with sanity?" and called for the government to issue a
proper response.
Lee Hoi-chang, president of the Liberty Forward Party, also criticized Ishihara's
remark as "arrogant and ignorant."
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