Foreign Correspondence

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Koizumi Apologizes: Japan buckles under Dragon’s glare

Tensions between the regional rivals also have been heightened by disagreements over gas resources in disputed seas and new Japanese textbooks that critics say gloss over Japan's wartime offenses. Many Chinese believe Japan has never truly shown remorse for atrocities committed during its pre-World War II invasion of China.
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Koizumi Apologizes for Past Wrongs Against China
By Anadolu News Agency (aa)
Published: Friday 22, 2005
zaman.com


Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumu has apologized for the great harm and sorrow that Japan caused during times of war.

Koizumi, representing Japan at an Asia-Africa summit in the Indonesian capital Jakarta, issued a statement to ease the escalating tension between Japan and China and apologized for the pain Japan caused through its colonialist attitude, in particular in Asian countries.

The Japanese Prime Minister indirectly apologized to China and South Korea in his statement saying that his country openly confronts the reality of its history and that the Japanese people feel deep guilt and apologize sincerely.

Koizumi added Japan will strictly follow the principal of a solution through peace and promised to increase aid for the development of Asian and African countries.

Recently have been held against Japan protests in South Korea and China for a revisionist account of history in newly approved school textbooks. During the Chinese demonstrations, the Japanese Embassy and some stores belong to Japanese were attacked with sticks and stones.

Koizumi and Chinese President Hu Cintao are expected to meet at the Asia-Africa summit, which will be attended by about 100 leaders.

[08:28:00]



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