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WASHINGTON - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's statements of empathy for women forced to be wartime sex slaves for Japan's soldiers were welcome but fell short of an official apology, the author of a US resolution seeking Tokyo's contrition said today.
"Mr Abe's words are encouraging and I am pleased he has acknowledged the immeasurable pain these women have suffered," Rep Michael Honda, a California Democrat and one of a handful of US lawmakers of Japanese descent, told Reuters.
"The prime minister's comments are personal and do not constitute an official apology by the Japanese Government, as my legislation calls for."
Abe on Sunday restated his endorsement of a 1993 Japanese government apology to the "comfort women," as they are euphemistically known in Japan.
"We have stated our heartfelt apologies to the 'comfort women' at the time who suffered greatly and were injured in their hearts," Abe said in an interview with NHK television.
"I want to say that that sentiment has not changed at all," said Abe, who sparked anger in Asia last month when he appeared to question the state's role in forcing the mostly Asian women to work in military brothels during World War Two.
Honda said in a telephone interview he was told by House of Representatives officials that his nonbinding resolution, introduced last month, was likely to be voted on only after Abe's expected visit to the United States in April or May.
"I have always been and remain committed to maintaining and strengthening the US-Japan strategic alliance, and deeply appreciate the vital role Japan plays in encouraging international stability and peace," said Honda, who has been criticised in Japan and some US quarters for the measure.
Abe and other Japanese officials have said Tokyo would not apologise again, even if US lawmakers adopted Honda's resolution.
"We can't force them to do anything," Honda said, adding he hoped an open and collegial debate would lead to a satisfactory conclusion and not harm bilateral relations.
- REUTERS
