1.   Observers said the government also is concerned that a formal apology might open the way for billions of dollars in financial claims.

2.   The reason is that an apology would open the door to discussions of monetary reparations for the descendants of slaves.

3.   Japanese officials remain wary that too explicit an apology could open the floodgates to limitless demands for compensation from victims of atrocities.

4.   The apology has also opened the way for resumed contact between Washington and Pyongyang on the implementation on the accord on the supplying of nuclear reactors to the North.