Abe apologises to the people of ESP for the war

Caption:  Prime Minister Abe meeting veterans of the war at the Peace Park Memorial site.

Caption:  Prime Minister Sinzo Abe and his wife Akie Abe making their way into the memorial grounds.

Caption:  Mr and Mrs Abe laying wreaths to honour the dead. 

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, July 13, 2014 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

PART of the reason for the visit of the Prime Minister of one of the world’s largest economies was to visit the battlefield sites in the East Sepik Province (ESP), which was where one of the largest Japanese Imperial Army bases was situated at during the Second World War in the country.

In an historical visit to the province, at the Village Inn in the provincial capital of Wewak-the Prime Minister of Japan apologised to the people of East Sepik for the tragedies that were brought about as a result of the war that affected the lives of many.

He made the remarks after the laying of wreaths at the Peace Park Memorial situated in the heart of the town.

The park was built on September 16, 1981, to remember those who sacrificed their lives on the land and sea and around New Guinea during Second World War and in dedication to world peace.

It also marks the spot next to a Japanese mass grave, where the remains of Japanese soldiers were buried by the Australian Army during the war.

“I just laid a wreath to those who lost their lives during the war here in PNG- many invaluable lives perished here during the Great War from Japan and also many others,” Prime Minister Abe said.

“At the same time it is not difficult to imagine that the daily lives of the local people here were threatened when this place became a battlefield, and I cannot help but express my deep remorse and regret in such history.”

Welcoming the prime minister to his province- Governor for East Sepik Sir Michael elaborated on the close history the province shares with Japan, not only in terms of the effects the war but also the benefits that were also brought along with it.

“It is an historical moment for a head of government and an important trade partner to honour us in visiting our province,” Sir Michael said.        

“I was the Prime Minister back then when you arrived with the then PM Nakasone, and my visit to Japan also set the tone to the strong relationship we now have today.”

“We are thankful for the technical assistance of Japanese programs conducted in PNG, and we are very privileged that we can saw that we are beneficiaries to development projects that we have in place in our town through your aid organisation JICA (Japanese International Cooperation Agency).”

“The airport you landed on was built by the Japanese military forces, and it still stands 70 years later.”

The Grand Chief told the Prime Minister that he had been educated in a school run by a Japanese soldier during the war and described the relationship between both counties as one that was strong and could further foster ties with Japan through its assistance in developing the province’s resources.