Southland Organizations Still Not Satisfied

Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone’s formal apology Friday for his observation that racial minorities drag down the education levels of the United States did little to soothe the distress of some Asian-Americans here.

At a press conference with directors of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the Asian Pacific American Legal Center of Southern California, John Saito, regional director of the Japanese American Citizens League, said he does not believe that the apology has settled the matter. He said requests for a full retraction were being sent to the Japanese Consulate here as well as to public officials and minority groups so they will understand that the Asian-American community rejects such comments.

Stewart Kwoh, executive director of the Asian Pacific American Legal Center, said the matter is “of particular concern” to Asian groups here because “we are forming bridges and alliances” with other minorities to the improve civil and educational rights.