South Korean government on Monday expresses deep regret over Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's visit to a shrine which honors war criminals of the World War II.

"The South Korean Government cannot but feel disappointment and indignation over Koizumi's paying tribute again at the shrine that glorifies the Japanese history of invasion despite the fact that relations between Japan and neighboring countries have been greatly strained on account of the issue involving his behavior," said a statement issued by the South Korean Foreign Ministry.

The statement strongly urged Koizumi to "stop paying visits to the shrine," which honors war criminals who "inflicted indescribable damage and pain on neighboring countries in connection with Japanese militarism and its war of invasion."

The strong-worded statement also reiterated that "a correct recognition of history is key to South Korea-Japan relations."

"We have many times called on Japan not to take any action that would nullify the apologies and reflections made by Japanese leaders previously," said the statement.

"If Japan has a genuine determination to develop future-oriented friendly relations with South Korea and to assume a responsible role in the international community, it should seriously reflect on history and show in its actions its determination to do so," said the statement.

"Once again we strongly urge the Japanese Prime Minister and responsible leaders not to visit the Yasukuni Shrine any more," the statement called on.

Earlier Monday, Koizumi made a visit to the Yasukuni Shrine, where over 2 million Japanese war dead, including 14 Class-A war criminals from World War II, are honored. The visit was the fifth since he took office in 2001.

Source: Xinhua