S. Korea's defense ministry says it's always open to dialogue to resolve recent spats with Japan

국방부, 초계기 갈등, 과학적 증거 가지고 협의 필요+ 한.일 대미외교당국자 일본 유엔기지서 회동The nation's defense ministry said it is open to dialogue with Japan,... to resolve the continuing spats.The dispute between the two sides carried on for several weeks now is over the low-altitude fly-by's performed by Japanese patrol aircrafts near South Korean warships.Spokesperson Choi Hyun-soo... said during Tuesday's regular press briefing that the ministry reiterates its position that the two countries need to discuss the matter through a working-level panel,... based on objective and scientific evidence.She stressed Seoul is open to the option of U.S. mediation over the matter, if necessary,... as South Korea agrees the issue should be resolved through objective dialogue.Meanwhile,... senior foreign affairs and defense officials Seoul, Washington and Tokyo are expected to meet in Japan this week. According to South Korea's foreign ministry its director-general for North American affairs, Kim Tae-jin..., is slated to visit the UN Command's Yokota Air Base and Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan,... for two days at the end of this month.UN Command Chief of Staff Mark Gillette will accompany him.Kim may also meet his Japanese counterpart,... to resolve the growing tensions between the two countries.