Pyongyang, December 16 (KCNA) -- The south Korean Measure Council for the Solution of the Issue of the Volunteers Corps sponsored the 1,000th Wednesday rally to solve the issue of the "comfort women" for the Imperial Japanese Army outside the Japanese embassy in Seoul on Dec. 14.

There took place a ceremony of unveiling a peace monument depicting victims who were killed after suffering all sorts of disgrace and insult as sexual slaves for the Imperial Japanese Army.

Speakers at the rally said that the Wednesday rally which started in 1992 in demand of the settlement of the crime of forced sexual slavery has taken place 1,000 times. However, Japan has denied the truth about it, far from making any apology and reparation for the crimes committed by Japan against the Korean people in the past, they noted, and went on:

The south Korean authorities are also sidestepping the issue. The present chief executive at talks with the Japanese prime minister did not even mention the issue of sexual slavery.

They declared that they would continue the Wednesday rally in solidarity with the people from all walks of life till Japan opts to settle the past.

Meetings condemning the crimes committed by the Japanese imperialists against humanity simultaneously took place in 30 cities of nine regions including Pusan, Ulsan, Taegu, Taejon, Inchon, Suwon of Kyonggi Province and Thongyong of South Kyongsang Province.

Solidarity statements and messages were sent to the meetings from many organizations of different social standings of south Korea, overseas compatriot organizations, foreign organizations and personages.

Civic and public organizations in South Kyongsang Province held a press conference in Changwon on the same day on the occasion of the 1,000th rally to demand the settlement of the above-said issue.

Similar solidarity actions were staged that day in at least 40 cities of nine countries and regions including the U.S., Japan, Germany, Canada and Italy.