Trump claims Shinzo Abe has nominated him for Nobel Peace Prize; Japanese PM refuses to deny

Responding to a follow-up question by an opposition party member, Abe said "I never said I didn't" nominate him.

AP File Photo

New Delhi: US President Trump has recently claimed that Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize, which the Japanese premier did not deny today. Over Trump’s claim about his nomination, Abe kept quiet, but did praise him and emphasized he did not deny doing so. On Friday, Trump had claimed that Abe had nominated him for the honour and sent him a copy of the letter. The assertion of the US President has raised questions and criticism in Japan. When Abe was questioned in Parliament, he praised Trump for his dealings with North Korea but said that he would like to maintain the confidentiality of the nominee in light of the Nobel committee's policy. As per the policy, the names of recommenders and nominees cannot be declared for 50 years. However, neither Abe, nor his spokesperson denied Trump’s comment. Responding to a follow-up question by an opposition party member, Abe said "I never said I didn't" nominate him.” The opposition leader Tamaki  tweeted on Monday that he was concerned such a nomination would "send the wrong message to North Korea and the rest of international society." In responding to Tamaki's questions in parliament, Abe lauded Trump for meeting with Kim and working to resolve the crisis over North Korea's nuclear programme and missile tests.  Trump had also addressed Japan's concerns over past abductions of Japanese citizens by North Korea, Abe said, adding "he and the entire White House also actively cooperated in resolving the issue." "I highly praise President Trump's leadership," Abe was quoted as saying by the Associated Press. Trump’s claim that Abe had sent him a "beautiful copy" of a letter sent to the Nobel committee could not be immediately verified.