House may seek apology from Japanese premier ahead of U.S. visit
WASHINGTON -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe vowed in parliament Monday that his government would not apologize for military brothels that enslaved women during World War II, even if the U.S. Congress urges him to do so.
But Abe's provocative comments Monday and similar remarks last week may boomerang, and boost the chances for passage of a House resolution calling on Japan to make an official, formal apology for the kidnapping and imprisonment of up to 200,000 women in Asia during the war.
The measure is sponsored by Rep. Mike Honda, a California Democrat and Japanese-American.
One Capitol Hill staffer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that Abe's comments had given the resolution a boost, and that some members -- including House leaders -- may push to take up the measure before Abe visits Washington, a trip tentatively set for late April.
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But Abe's provocative comments Monday and similar remarks last week may boomerang, and boost the chances for passage of a House resolution calling on Japan to make an official, formal apology for the kidnapping and imprisonment of up to 200,000 women in Asia during the war.
The measure is sponsored by Rep. Mike Honda, a California Democrat and Japanese-American.
One Capitol Hill staffer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that Abe's comments had given the resolution a boost, and that some members -- including House leaders -- may push to take up the measure before Abe visits Washington, a trip tentatively set for late April.