US supports academic freedom amid Japan`s attempt to whitewash atrocities

The U.S. government strongly supports academic freedom after a group of 19 American history scholars criticized Japanese government for pressuring an American history textbook publisher to change the description of Japan`s sexual slavery of Asian women during World War II. It is the first time U.S. President Barack Obama expressed opinion on this controversial issue.

"As a matter of principle we stand in strong support of academic freedom as a foundation of democratic society," said the U.S. State Department spokesman office, clearly stating that Japan`s act infringes on academic freedom that is the foundation of democracy.

"We continue to emphasize the importance of approaching historical legacy issues in a manner that promotes healing and reconciliation for all parties," a State Department representative added. It was reconfirming the principle that Japan should solve historical issues in a constructive manner with its surrounding countries Korea and China.

With Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe`s possible visit to Washington this year marking the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, the U.S. will pressure Japan to come up with forward-looking measures on history distortion issue. "It is possible that the Obama administration will persuade Abe that he needs to show sincerity in resolving history issues with neighboring countries," said a diplomatic source in Washington.