 LDP Abe's warning was based on his knowledge of NHK program: JCP Koike Japanese Communist Party Policy Commission Chair Koike Akira on a TV show criticized Liberal Democratic Party Acting Secretary General Abe Shinzo for pressuring NHK to alter the program on the wartime sex slavery system, revealing that he had known of the program in advance despite his denial. On TV Asahi's "Sunday Project" program on January 16, Koike cited the daily Asahi Shimbun's report that Abe said that he had told NHK officials to maintain "fairness and neutrality" in broadcasting the program. "He could not make such comment without prior knowledge of the program contents," said Koike, stressing, "This amounts to political interference in a TV program." Referring to the chief cabinet secretary's statement in August 1993 regarding the government apology for Japanese army's use of "comfort women", Koike pointed out that Abe's interference in the TV program contradicts public admission of guilt. (end) |