DP expresses deep condolences over death of ex-Japanese PM Murayama

▲ This undated file photo shows former Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama (C). (Yonhap)

ruling party-ex-Japan PM

DP expresses deep condolences over death of ex-Japanese PM Murayama

SEOUL, Oct. 17 (Yonhap) -- The ruling Democratic Party (DP) on Friday expressed deep condolences over the death of former Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama, who was known for his historic apology to Asian victims of Japan's wartime aggression.

"As prime minister of Japan, he was the first to explicitly acknowledge Japan's past as an act of 'aggression' and delivered a sincere apology along with a courageous recognition of history," Rep. Park Soo-hyun, chief spokesperson for the DP, said in a press release.

Murayama, best known for the landmark 1995 "Murayama Statement," in which he expressed remorse for Japan's colonial rule and aggression in Asia, died Friday at the age of 101.

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