(cctv.com)
Updated: 2007-07-03 15:36

July 3 - Japanese Defense Minister, Fumio Kyuma, has sparked public outrage by saying that the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, was inevitable and the only way of ending World War II. Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, is now being forced to reprimand his defense minister.

The Kyodo News agency reported that Defense Minister, Fumio Kyuma, said in a speech, that the bombing on Hiroshima and Nagasaki caused great suffering in the city, but said he did not resent the US, because the bomb prevented the Soviet Union from entering the war with Japan.

The comments have offended the survivors.

Kyuma apologized, but opposition lawmakers called for his resignation.

The Prime Minister has urged Kyuma to "take strict care with his remarks," but said the minister is not expected to resign.

The remarks have dampened Abe as his cabinet's support rate has fallen below the critical 30 percent level in a poll weeks before an upper house election.

This is the first time a Japanese Prime Minister's support rate had fallen this low, since 2001.

And, it comes at a time when government mismanagement of pension records and voter concern about political corruption has left Abe struggling to win back support.