S. Korean MPs to visit disputed islands

SEOUL (AFP) - A group of South Korean lawmakers were set on Tuesday to visit an isolated set of islands at the heart of a territorial dispute with Japan - a move likely to stoke tensions with Tokyo still more.

Seventeen members of the parliamentary National Defence Committee had gathered on South Korea's coast awaiting transport to the Dokdo islands - known as Takeshima in Japan - an aide to committee member Ahn Gyu Baek said.

"They are scheduled to visit the islands via military chopper this afternoon as part of a government inspection session ... as soon as weather conditions allow," the aide told AFP.

The islands, which lie between the two countries, are controlled by South Korea but claimed by both nations.