www.wst898.com Nagoya Mayor: Will Not Retract Comments or Sever Ties with Nanjing

According to the Global Times, Nobuto River, mayor of Nagoya who denied the "Nanjing Massacre", received media interviews at the city government in the afternoon of February 22, saying that he wished to continue exchanges with Nanjing.

According to Kyodo News Agency of Japan on February 22, after the city of Nanjing announced the suspension of official exchanges with Nagoya because of Mayor Nobuto River's remarks denying the "Nanjing Massacre", Nagoya expressed its "bewilderment and regret" on February 22. It also pointed out that "if the friendly relations are affected by the mayor's personal remarks, it would be regrettable".

It also said that it would follow the Japanese government's view that "it is impossible to deny the existence of mass killings and looting of non-combatants".

Mayor Nobuto River received media interviews at the city government in the morning of February 22, saying that he "would not withdraw his remarks". He also defended himself, saying: "the friendly relationship remains unchanged. I hope to continue exchanges in the future. If the other party can confirm my remarks, they will understand my true thoughts."

The report said that regarding the "Nanjing Massacre", River insisted on his consistent views, saying that "there are various opinions, and this is a thorny problem. I am also willing to go to Nanjing to discuss with everyone. There are new research findings now."