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LDP's Coalition Partners Urge Japan's PM not to Visit Yasukuni Shrine
The two partners of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) on Friday urged Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi not to visit the Yasukuni Shrine on August 15, the anniversary of Japan's defeat in the World War II.
Secretaries general of the New Komeito party and the New Conservative Party (NCP), LDP's two partners in the ruling coalition, both expressed their opposition to the plan in a meeting with the premier at his official residence Friday night.
"I hope the premier will use this as a factor in making up his mind. This will be the last time for me to do this," New Komeito party Secretary General Tetsuzo Fuyushiba said after the meeting.
Koizumi reportedly told the three secretaries general, including LDP's Taku Yamasaki, the NCP's Takeshi Noda and Fuyushiba, that he will consider the matter carefully and asked them to give him more time.
"As for what my conclusion (over the visit), I have to think about it carefully over the weekend," Koizumi said.
He said that he plans to make an announcement upon reaching a decision.
"There will be an occasion for me to explain it to the public," he said.
Koizumi's planned visit has drew strong criticism and indignation from its Asian neighbors.
The Yasukuni shrine houses the memorial tablets of 14 A-class war criminals, including wartime prime minister Hideki Tojo, together with some 2.5 million Japanese who have died in wars since the 19th century.
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