A major Japanese daily has urged the Japanese government and political community to accept a 1993 statement that acknowledged and apologized for the forced recruitment of sex slaves by Japan's military.

The Asahi Shimbun said in its Friday editorial that there are problems with Japanese politicians who deny the Kono statement of 1993.

The daily said the statement was issued by then Chief Cabinet Secretary Yohei Kono and based on various data and witness accounts. It said the statement acknowledged and apologized for the forced recruitment of sex slaves by Japanese troops.

Asahi stressed that it is an undeniable fact that the freedom of a number of women was violated, and their honor and dignity were trampled by Japan's actions.