Japanese PM Abe refrains from offering his own apology for wartime atrocities

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks during a news conference in Tokyo, Aug. 14, 2015. In a statement on Friday marking the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, Abe mentioned previous governments' apology for Japan's wartime past, but refrained from offering his own apology. He also said that Japan must not let its future generations "be predestined to apologize." (Xinhua/Ma Ping)

TOKYO, Aug. 14 -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday refrained from offering his own apology for Japan's past atrocities during World War II.

In a statement marking the 70th anniversary of the end of the WWII, Abe mentioned the Japanese government's previous apology and deep remorse, but added that it is unnecessary for Japan's future generations to keep apologizing for the country's wartime past.

He said Japan has repeatedly apologized and felt deep remorse for the previous war and the country will maintain the stances of the previous governments.

The prime minister also expressed regret at the suffering and sacrifices of many people during WWII in general, but did not mention Japan's own aggression and colonial rule during the war.

He only said aggression should not be used as a way to resolve international disputes and the international community should be apart from colonial rule.