10 April 2008
Fukuda says China "responsible" for Tibetan unrest
(AFP) Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda said that China bears responsibility over recent unrest in Tibet, calling on Beijing to resolve the problem peacefully. "I think China is the most responsible over the issue. I hope they will deal with it in a calm manner and resolve the issue through dialogue", Fukuda said in parliament when asked about recent violence in the region. "I call on the Chinese government to do its utmost to that end", he said. Fukuda also called on China to ensure that the Beijing Olympics in August will be held safely following anti-China protests during the torch relay. He also urged protesters not to use violence when the Olympic torch relay comes to Japan.