Transcript of IMFC Press Briefing
October 9, 2015
Lima, Peru
QUESTIONER:
I want to ask a question about SDR valuation. I wonder how far away is it for
the renminbi to be included in the SDR basket? Also, do you worry that the
inclusion of any new currency could bring more volatility in the financial
markets?
THE MANAGING DIRECTOR -
As you know, the review of the special drawing right basket of currencies has
to take place every five years. So, before the end of 2015 we will be presenting
to the Executive Board of the IMF the technical assessment that will have been
concluded by staff and approved by management. The technical work is nearly
completed. They are finalizing their recommendation. I have not seen it myself
yet. But it is certainly going to be in the not too distant future, with as you
know, an implementation effective date that has been approved to be in September,
in order to allow for time, to allow central banks, institutions that rely on
the SDR to actually adjust, including their computer system. http://www.imf.org/external/np/tr/2015/tr100915b.htm
"there were a large number of Koreans and others who were brought against their
will and forced to work under harsh conditions in the 1940s at some of the sites"
The Delegation of Japan delivered the following statement:
“Madame Chairperson,
Thank you for the opportunity to deliver this statement on behalf of the Government
of Japan.
It is quite an honor for the Government of Japan that the “Outstanding Universal
Value” of this property has been duly evaluated and that, with the support of all
Members of the Committee, it has been inscribed on the World Heritage List by a
consensus decision.
The Government of Japan respects the ICOMOS recommendation that was made
from technical and expert perspectives. Especially, in developing the “interpretive
strategy,” Japan will sincerely respond to the recommendation that the strategy
allows “an understanding of the full history of each site.”
More specifically, Japan is prepared to take measures that allow an understanding
that there were a large number of Koreans and others who were brought against their
will and forced to work under harsh conditions in the 1940s at some of the sites, and
that, during World War II, the Government of Japan also implemented its policy of
requisition.
Japan is prepared to incorporate appropriate measures into the interpretive strategy
to remember the victims such as the establishment of information center.
The Government of Japan expresses its deep appreciation to Chairperson Bohmer,
all Members of the World Heritage Committee and everyone involved in the process
for their understanding of the “Outstanding Universal Value” of the property, and for
their kind cooperation towards its inscription.”
The Delegation of the Republic of Korea delivered the following statement:
“Madame Chair,
The Government of the Republic of Korea takes with utmost seriousness the
statement just made by the Government of Japan before this Committee, in which it
stated that “there were a large number of Koreans and others who were brought
against their will and forced to work under harsh conditions in the 1940s at some of
the sites, and that it is prepared to incorporate appropriate measures into the
interpretive strategy to remember the victims such as the establishment of
information center.” The Government of the Republic of Korea has decided to join the
Committee’s consensus decision on this matter, as it has full confidence in the
authority of the Committee and trusts that the Government of Japan will implement in
good faith the measures it has announced before this august body today.
Today’s decision was made possible because not only the Republic of Korea and
Japan, but also all other Members of the Committee, including the Federal Republic
of Germany as the Chair, worked together to uphold the spirit of the World Heritage
Convention that World Heritage is for all the peoples of the world.
The Government of the Republic of Korea would like to draw the Committee’s
attention to Paragraph 6 of the decision which recommends Japan “to consider
inviting ICOMOS to offer advice on the implementation of [its] recommendations.” We
also believe that this Committee will continue to follow up on the Japanese
government’s full implementation of its measures and the recommendations until its
42nd session in 2018 when the Committee is scheduled to examine a progress
report which Japan is requested to submit to the World Heritage Centre by December
1, 2017. Such an all-encompassing process will ensure an understanding of the full
history of each site, as was recommended by ICOMOS and the Committee.
Today’s decision marks another important step toward remembering the pain and
suffering of the victims, healing the painful wounds of history, and reaffirming that the
historical truth of the unfortunate past should also be reflected in an objective
manner.
In closing, I would like to express my deep appreciation to you, Madame Chair, for
your leadership and all Members of the Committee for their cooperation and support.
Thank you very much indeed.”
Is South Korea Now 'Hell Chosun'?
The idea of Korea as “Hell Chosun” captures a creeping sense of futility
among young South Koreans.
By Steven Denney
September 25, 2015
The rising popularity of the “Hell Chosun” Facebook group and the “Hell Korea”
online forum suggest many South Koreans, especially younger people, are growing
increasingly dissatisfied or disillusioned with the state of South Korean society.
“an infernal feudal kingdom stuck in the nineteenth century.”
“[B]eing born in South Korea is tantamount to entering hell, where one is
immediately enslaved by a highly regulated system that dictates an entire course
of life. Onerous education and service in the abusive military are the norm.”
“take refuge in the Fortress of Bureaucrats by taking the civil servant examination.”
“wallow in the Pool of Joblessness”
“become self-employed and eke out a self-sustaining but disreputable bandit-like
existence on the margin of society, or wade through the Forest of Emigration and
leave South Korea altogether, finding freedom”
