(Prepared for the April 20th Joint Press Conference)
Alliance to Preserve the History of WWII in Asia at LA and Historical Justice Now together wish to state that we expressly deplore the recent reported violence in China and in other areas targeting Japanese properties as well as Japanese as a result of the demonstrations against Japan.
The joint press conference on April 15th by President Noh of Korea and Chancellor Sheroder in Germany is giving Japan a friendly warning as follows. Chancellor Schroeder commented on how important it was for countries to find their own way to come to grips with all parts of their past. Mr.Gerhard Schroeder went on to said, "I can share my German experience, and it is this: through dealing sensitively and self-critically with one's own history, one does not lose friends, rather one gains them."
Our petition drive, together with other organizations worldwide, is to oppose Japan's bid for a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council with absolute means of non-violence until Japan formally apologizes for the war crimes it has committed during WWII and pays reparations to the victims.
1. We seek reconciliation and healing by educating the Japanese people about such war crimes committed by Japan's Imperial Army which has been whitewashed in Japan's textbooks.
2. We have worked closely with many Japanese nationals and Japanese-Americans and deeply appreciate the work they have done towards those goals.
3. We will continue to engage ourselves in an effort to educate the world to recognize WWII atrocities caused by Imperial Japanese Army through a peaceful means until the time Japan officially apologizes and pays due reparations.
When: April 20, 20005 (Wednesday) Noon
Where: 420 E 3rd Street, Room 1010 (3rd & San Pedro)
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Contact persons: Ann Lau (310) 539-0234Yosh Yamanaka (310) 403-4625
Henry Yoo (310) 430-9196