UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has called on Japan to reflect on its war history in order to move forward, Ban's spokesperson told a briefing at the UN headquarters Wednesday.[Special coverage]
The remarks came two days ahead of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's commemoration speech marking the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II (WWII).
When asked about the UN chief's view on the speech, Stephane Dujarric said "the secretary general has been taking very consistent position on the issue."
"That position is that they should move forward for a better future through genuine reconciliation and in the spirit of cooperation based on humble reflection of past history," Dujarric said.
The spokesperson also said on the occasion to mark the 70th anniversary of the war's end, "Ban reiterates his sincere hopes that the anniversary will serve as a somber occasion to reflect on past history and to encourage all countries in the region to move forward together."
