For Japan, the statement was a concession, although it fell short of South Korea's desire for the use of the expression "forced labor."

The Japanese government also agreed to take appropriate measures to commemorate victims and let people know about the dark history, including the establishment of an "information center."

Japan, however, angered Koreans last year with an announcement that it would set up a think tank-style information center in Tokyo, far away from the UNESCO heritage sites.

In its own report submitted to UNESCO, Japan dropped the word "forced" and claimed that those hailing from Korea provided "support" for Japan's industry.

"The (South Korean) government's position is clear and certain that it can't accept" Japan's attitude, the official told reporters on the condition of anonymity.

On a resolution to be adopted at the ongoing UNESCO meeting, he said, it will refer to Japan's 2015 statement in the pre face and footnotes, and call for dialogue between "parties involved,"apparently meaning Japan and South Korea.

"A decision is expected around Wednesday," he said.

Japan is required to submit an update of its relevant measures to the panel by November 2019, with a formal assessment slated for the following year, the official added. (Yonhap)