61314 There have been times when it seemed that anti-Japan sentiments were deliberately drummed up to divert the people's attention from domestic problems.
61315 However, the South Korean leaders' attitude has changed since the former President Chun Doo Hwan issued the statement on his standpoint by saying, "First and foremost, the responsibility for the nation's history lies with its people themselves."
61316 Former President Roh Tae Woo and President Kim Young Sam have also firmly maintained this stance.
61317 The altered historical perception brought around by the growth of South Korea and the restored confidence among its people has been leading Japan-ROK relations to a more desirable direction.
61318 This also signifies the end of an era where South Korea expects one-sided cooperation from Japan.
61319 Reflecting this change in history, President Kim Young Sam put up the "globalization" of South Korea as a focal point of his government policy from the New Year.
61320 Further, to strengthen the country's effort in addressing environmental issues, President Kim promoted the Environment Agency to a Ministry.
61321 South Korea's attention is about to expand from the situations around the country such as the Japan-ROK and North-South relations to the global arena.
61322 We, too, should view South Korea's globalization policy favorably and further reinforce our cooperative relations.
61323 On that account as well, it is desirable to bring a settlement to the issue of healing the wounds of war as soon as possible.
61324 With the lessons and growth over the last 30 years being the cornerstone, both Japan and South Korea have entered an era to develop new cooperative relations for peace and stability in Asia and the world.
61325 For a start, in cooperation with South Korea, we should accelerate the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's participation in the international community.
61326 Additionally, our joint effort to address environmental problems in Asia will be an important issue.
61327 Viewing this year as a new milestone instead of expecting the other party to do something for them, we hope that both nations in cooperation with one another will seek ideas and policies to define what they can do to contribute to the peace and stability of Asia and the world.
61328 After ten years of taking the reigns of the unification of Europe, Mr. Delors will resign from his post of President of the European Commission, the executive body of the European Union, in January and Prime Minister Santer of Luxembourg will succeed him as the new President.