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Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Opposition lawmakers jointly submit bill to settle war-time sex slave issue

House of Councilors opposition lawmakers, including the Japanese Communist, Democratic, and Social Democratic parties plus independents on March 29 jointly submitted a bill calling for an early settlement of the war-time sex slave issue. The bill was first submitted to the upper house in 2001, and this year's is the seventh submission.

The bill is aimed at promoting a settlement with former "sex slaves" in Korea and other Asian countries during WWII. Regarding the fact that the former Japanese military was systematically involved in these atrocities, the bill demands that the Japanese government offer them an apology for the abuse without delay, and take necessary steps for the restoration of their rehabilitation, including monetary compensation.

JCP lawmaker Yoshikawa Haruko stated, "Asia diplomacy is an issue in the next Liberal Democratic Party presidential election. Solving this issue is indispensable for friendship between Japan and other Asian countries. We will try to get the Diet to consider and enact it."
- Akahata, March 29, 2006