WASHINGTON, July 31 (UPI) -- The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a symbolic resolution urging Japan to apologize for enslaving "comfort women" during World War II.
The resolution was sponsored by Rep. Mike Honda, D-Calif., who is descended from Japanese immigrants, the San Jose Mercury News reported.
Japan forced women, most of them Korean, to provide sexual services for its soldiers during World War II. Japanese officials have been slow to acknowledge any wrong was done.
"We have made history today," Honda said after the House passed the resolution by a voice vote. "We have given a key to Japan. Now it's up to them to unshackle themselves from the past."
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called the resolution "regrettable." But he did suggest he would apologize on behalf of his country.
"The 20th century was a period when violations of human rights occurred," he said. "It is important to make the 21st century a brighter period for people worldwide. "
