SEOUL, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- Politicians of South Korean ruling and opposition parties on Monday protested Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's planned visit to the Yasukuni Shrine and called the government to take stern measures against Koizumi's move.

    "Koreans are reminded of their bitter, painful wounds when major Japanese politicians, including the prime minister, pay homage at the Yasukuni Shrine, which honors Class-A war criminals," said Hwang Woo-yea, secretary-general of the main opposition Grand National Party.

    Kim Han-gill, leader of the ruling Uri Party, said "If Japan continues provocative acts threatening East Asia, we won't be able to overlook it."

    "Japan's attitude remains unchanged even 60 years after Korea's independence from Japan's colonial rule," he stressed.

    Both the ruling and the opposition parties called for the government to take diplomatic measures against Koizumi's almost-certain shrine visit this month.

    The Foreign Ministry said it is closely watching the situation and will take "appropriate actions," including the issuance of a strongly-worded statement and the summoning of the Japanese ambassador to Seoul.

    The government has warned earlier that Koizumi's pilgrimage to the Yasukuni Shrine will further strain the bilateral ties between Tokyo and Seoul.

    The Yasukuni Shrine honors 2.5 million Japanese war dead, including 14 Class-A war criminals. It is widely regarded as a symbol of Japan's imperialistic past.

    Koizumi is very likely to visit the Yasukuni Shrine on Tuesday,Aug. 15, on the occasion of the 61 anniversary of Japan's surrender in the WWII. Enditem