Kasai calls for diplomatic solution to the sinking of South Korean ship

Japan Press Weekly

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

Kasai calls for diplomatic solution to the sinking of South Korean ship

Japanese Communist Party representative Kasai Akira on May 26 called for a peaceful settlement of the sinking of a South Korean patrol boat.

The South Korean investigative team is now claiming that the boat "was sunk as the result of an external underwater explosion caused by a torpedo made in North Korea."

Kasai at a meeting of the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs stated, "It is important for Northeast Asia to seek a diplomatic and political solution to this issue that will prevent an increase in military tensions."

Foreign Minister Okada Katsuya in response said, "I agree with you." Citing the recent JCP statement which calls on North Korea to "offer facts if available to disprove the South Korean allegations if North Korea intends to deny its involvement," Okada said, "I appreciate that statement."

- Akahata, May 27, 2010