In a statement issued 10 years ago, then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said that the deep remorse and heartfelt apology expressed by past cabinets “will remain unshakable.”
Meanwhile, he said, “We must not let our children, grandchildren, and even further generations to come, who have nothing to do with that war, be predestined to apologise.”
Supporting the view, many LDP lawmakers who belonged to the now-defunct faction that had been led by Abe think that no further war statement is necessary.
Given this, Ishiba reckons that releasing his view would fuel moves to oust him, simmering within the party.
“It’s better not to release anything,” a source close to him said.
Ishiba has not entirely scrapped the idea of compiling a paper to show his view. He is seeking the right timing while monitoring the situation inside the party, sources said.
But he might have to abandon the idea if the turmoil within the party continues.
[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
AloJapan.com