(Asahi: April 23, 2015 – p. 4)

 A panel of experts on a statement to be issued on the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II met for the fourth round of talks at the Prime Minister’s Office on April 22.

 Discussions, which took place ahead of Prime Minister Abe’s visit to the U.S. from April 26, focused on reconciliations between the U.S., Europe and Australia.

 After the meeting, Shinichi Kitaoka, acting chairman of the panel and president of International University of Japan, told reporters that Fumiaki Kubo, a University of Tokyo professor, and Yuichi Hosoya, a Keio University professor, briefed on reconciliation examples mainly between the U.S. and Britain, followed by discussions by panel members.

 Most panelists praised reconciliation efforts between the U.S., Europe and Australia, Kitaoka noted. One said: “Japan shares fundamental values with them.” Another said: “They share common interests toward the future.” Meanwhile, there were opinions calling for more efforts to achieve reconciliation at the person-to-people level.