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Article: Japan apologizes for World War II aggression.
- Article from:
- Chicago Tribune (Chicago, IL)
- Article date:
- April 22, 2005
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2005 Chicago Tribune. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Byline: Michael A. Lev
BEIJING _ Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi attempted to head off a crisis with China over interpretations of history Friday by offering an unexpected but carefully couched "heartfelt apology" for the "tremendous damage and suffering" inflicted by Japan during World War II.
Speaking at the opening of an international forum in Jakarta, with Chinese President Hu Jintao listening, Koizumi made a dramatic appeal to soothe Chinese fury, which had manifested itself in violent demonstrations this month outside Japan's embassy and consulates in China.
"In the past, Japan _ through its colonial rule and aggression _ ...