Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura urged China on Sunday to ensure that the crackdown in Tibet does not cause further casualties and that developments do not affect the Beijing Olympics in August. ( Kyodo )
Japan ''is extremely concerned and keeping a close watch on developments,'' Komura told reporters after attending a public forum in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, in western Japan. ''I would like to know clearly what the situation is and the facts behind what has happened.''
''I hope all parties involved will deal with this calmly and ensure that the number of those killed and injured does not worsen any further,'' he said. ''I ask that the Chinese government give thorough consideration (to this) so that the Olympics will not be affected.''
The minister said Japan has conveyed its concerns to China, as well as a request to ensure Japanese nationals in the area receive adequate protection, through the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo and directly to the Chinese Foreign Ministry in Beijing.
The Tibetan government-in-exile led by the Dalai Lama said Sunday it has confirmed that at least 80 people have been killed during the Chinese crackdown on protests in Tibet.
Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura on Saturday called on the Chinese government and demonstrators to exercise self-restraint following the clashes in Lhasa.