WWII anniversary a chance for Abe to clear the air

THIS year marks the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II and many countries are gearing up to commemorate major historical events.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan is reportedly planning a trip to the United States in the spring during which he will visit Pearl Harbor, the first visit by a postwar Japanese leader to the naval base that was the target of a surprise attack on Dec 8, 1941, and which brought the Americans into the war.

Mr Abe wants to make a major speech to mark the 70th anniversary. In early January, he said that he would follow the statement made in 1995 by the Socialist prime minister, Tomiichi Murayama, who expressed "deep remorse" and "heartfelt apology" on the 50th anniversary.