TOKYO, Aug 27 (KUNA) -- The Japanese government expressed on Tuesday discomfort with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's rare remarks about Japan's historical awareness on the previous day. "It's highly doubtful that a UN Chief made comments based on recognition of Japan's position," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a press conference. "We will ask through the UN Secretariat what he intended to say the remarks. We will also continue explaining about our stance on historical issues at the UN," the top government spokesman said.
At a press conference in Seoul on Monday, Ban, a former South Korean Foreign Minister, urged Japanese political leaders to have deep self-reflection and an international and future-oriented vision on how they will understand history and foster friendly ties with neighbors, amid rising tension in Japan's relations with South Korea and China.
"Japan has said we should have dialogues with South Korea and China even though there are pending issues between us," Suga said. "Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has expressed his willingness to exchange views with Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Korean President Park Geun-hye for the peace and stability in the region," he asserted.
South Korea and China suffered Japanese occupation during the World War II. Japan is currently engaged in separate diplomatic crises with China and South Korea over two groups of disputed islands. (end) mk.asa KUNA 271055 Aug 13NNNN