TOKYO: A visibly upset Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Sunday (Feb 1) vowed to “never forgive terrorists” after the Islamic State (IS) group released a video purportedly showing the beheading of hostage Kenji Goto.
“I am extremely angry about these heinous and despicable terrorist acts. We will never forgive terrorists,” Abe told reporters in Tokyo. “We will cooperate with the international community to make them atone for their crimes.”
The claim was made in a video released online that included no mention of a Jordanian pilot also being held by IS, whom the extremist group has also threatened to kill.
Goto, a journalist, is seen kneeling next to a standing masked man who speaks with a British accent and blames the Japanese government for his “slaughter”.
“I am at a loss for words thinking about the pain that (Goto’s) family must feel,” Abe said.
On Saturday, Japanese media quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Yasuhide Nakayama as saying that negotiations with the militant group were “deadlocked”.
“The government has been working with the utmost efforts on the issue – I’m deeply regretful that this is the result,” Abe said. “Japan will never yield to terrorism… (and) is firmly resolved to fulfil its responsibility in the international community’s fight against terrorism.
“I will take thorough measures to ensure the safety of Japanese citizens inside and outside Japan.”
The premier was holding an emergency meeting after the brief press conference. – AFP