Today marks the 69th anniversary of the end of World War II. We want to express our sincere condolences for those, not only in Japan but all over the world, who sacrificed their lives during the conflict, and to reaffirm our resolve that Japan must never go down the path of war again.

Japan has consistently been a country of peace since the end of the war and has come to occupy an important position within the international community, contributing much to the peace and prosperity of the world. We will continue to actively pursue peaceful international relations under the policy of "Proactive Contribution to Peace."

The government has recently adopted a cabinet decision on "Development of Seamless Security Legislation to Ensure Japan's Survival and Protect its People." This resolution came out of consultations among the ruling coalition, and its purpose is to fulfill our responsibility as an independent nation to protect the lives and property of our people. We will continue to move forward in the establishment and enhancement of relevant legislation through the process of Diet deliberations, and we will continue to work for public understanding of these efforts.

As a people's party of pacifism and liberalism, we will do everything possible to pass on to the next generation the Japan that has been built by our forebears, fulfill our duty to contribute to peace throughout the world, and create a virtuous Japan that contributes to the values that all of humanity hold in common.