I had not seen this: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2...03/1968791.htm Japanese minister resigns after WWII bombing comments
Posted Tue Jul 3, 2007 3:41pm AEST
Japanese Defence Minister Fumio Kyuma is resigning after sparking outrage with remarks suggesting that the US atomic bombings of Japan were the inevitable way to end World War II.
"Things developed in a different direction than I expected and I can't gain people's understanding," Mr Kyuma told reporters after meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
"I told the Prime Minister that I will resign," he said. "And the Prime Minister accepted my offer."
Mr Kyuma sparked anger when he said that the nuclear attacks on Japan by the United States "couldn't be helped."
The controversy comes at a delicate time for Mr Abe, who is already battling falling public support ahead of key Upper House elections on July 29.
Mr Kyuma, who represents Nagasaki in Parliament, apologised during a news conference in the southern port city for his remarks, which were denounced by ruling party and opposition law-makers as well as victims of the attacks.
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AFP