Abe expresses 'deep remorse' over war without mentioning responsibility

Indonesia's President Joko Widodo (R) greets Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during the arrival for the opening ceremony of the Asian African Conference in Jakarta April 22, 2015.[Photo/Agencies]

JAKARTA - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said here on Wednesday that Japan, with feelings of deep remorse over the past war, made a pledge to adhere to the Bandung principles, which highlights peace and cooperation.

"We should stand at the forefront among Asian and African countries seeking peace and prosperity under those Bandung principles," Abe said while addressing the Asian-African Summit 2015.

However, the Japanese leader did not say whether he would abide by previous statements issued by former Japanese prime ministers on war atrocities.

"Abe said on Monday during an appearance on a TV news program that he is not concerned about whether key phrases from previous statements will be repeated in the statement he plans to issue on the war anniversary later this year.

Abe, on Tuesday, made a ritual offering again to the Yasukuni Shrine, paying respects to the 2.47 million Japan's war dead, including 14 Class-A war criminals honored at the venue.

Hours before Abe's speech in Jakarta Wednesday morning, a group of Japanese lawmakers from various political parties visited the notorious Yasukuni Shrine for the annual spring festival.

Japan's neighbor countries of China and South Korea, which suffered a lot during the World War II, have criticized Japan's new provocation moves.