Commenting on this fact, a news analyst of Rodong Sinmun today says it represented the public sentiment of Japan and the world that the Japanese government can never evade the responsibility for the settlement of Japan's past.

It is the task of history and demand of the times for Japan to liquidate its past crimes, the commentary says, and goes on:

The settlement of the past is a legal obligation Japan should discharge without condition.

It is because the past occupation of Korea and colonial rule over it by the Japanese imperialists were a state-sponsored crime committed on the basis of illegally fabricated document. The "Ulsa (1905) Five-point Treaty", cited by Japan to prove the "legitimacy" and "legality" of its occupation and rule over Korea, was dismissed as an illegally fabricated document by the historical facts and data.

It is also because the crimes perpetrated by the Japanese imperialists during their occupation and rule over Korea are hideous crimes against humanity that the statute of limitations can never be applied.

To liquidate the past is a moral obligation of Japan. In the past Japan mercilessly trampled down upon the elementary rights and dignity of human being and people's rights to existence and ethics in Korea.

It is the elementary moral code and usage that in relationship between individuals an assailant should make apology and reparation to a victim. The same is the case with relations between countries. With no tricks Japan can evade its moral obligation for the settlement of the past crimes.

It is quite natural that conscientious people in Japan are urging the government to accept the demand of the times and discharge the legal and moral duty for settling the past.

The Japanese authorities should opt for liquidating the past as soon as possible, lending an ear to the fair voices of people at home and abroad. Delayed settlement of the past crimes will add to the crimes, and it will result in paying dearer for them.