Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s Remarks at an Interview by NHK

March 11, 2007

Interviewer:

(Mentioning the H Res. 121 on comfort women and Prime Minister’s recent remarks on the issue,)

Has your stance to stand by the Kono Statement of 1993 changed even slightly?

Prime Minister Abe:

I have talked about this matter in the Diet sessions last year, and recently as well, and to the press. I have been consistent. I will stand by the Kono Statement. This is our consistent position.

Further, we have been apologizing sincerely to those who suffered immeasurable pain and incurable psychological wounds as comfort women.

Former Prime Ministers, including Prime Ministers Koizumi and Hashimoto, have issued letters to the comfort women. I would like to be clear that I carry the same feeling. This has not changed even slightly.