建設石綿訴訟、菅首相が謝罪　和解へ「原告の考え尊重」

　菅義偉首相は１８日、建設アスベスト（石綿）訴訟の原告団、弁護団と首相官邸で面会した。国の責任を認める司法判断が確定したことを踏まえ、「首相として責任を痛感し、真摯（しんし）に反省し、政府を代表して心よりおわびを申し上げる」と謝罪した。
　首相は「健康被害を受けた方々の長きにわたる負担や苦しみ、最愛のご家族を失った悲しみは察するに言葉もない」と表明。原告との和解に当たっては「皆さんの考えを十分に尊重したい」と約束した。和解の調整に当たっている与党プロジェクトチーム座長の野田毅元自治相が同席した。
　与党は、原告以外の被害者に給付金を支給するための基金を議員立法で創設する方針。これに関し、加藤勝信官房長官は記者会見で「政府としても与党における法案化作業に全面的に協力をしていく」と述べた。
　公明党の山口那津男代表は会見で「できれば今国会での成立を目指していきたい」と創設を急ぐ意向を表明。「野党も大きな異論はないのではないか。合意形成に最大の努力をすべきだ」と協力を呼び掛けた。（2021/05/18-18:11）

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Tuesday apologized to plaintiffs in lawsuits filed over asbestos-caused health issues, following the Supreme Court's ruling the previous day that found the government liable to pay compensation over the problems.
   "As prime minister, I'm keenly aware of the responsibility, reflect (on the problems) sincerely and offer a heartfelt apology on behalf of the government," Suga told the plaintiffs and their lawyers at a meeting held at the prime minister's office. It was the first time for the prime minister to meet with plaintiffs in the lawsuits.
   Suga also showed his eagerness to conclude a basic agreement for settlement with the plaintiffs at an early date.
   "I'm lost for words when I think about the long-lasting burden and pain of people who suffered health damage and about the sorrow of those who lost their beloved family members," he said, stressing that the government wants to fully respect the plaintiffs' thoughts in forging a settlement deal.
   In Monday's top court ruling, issued for lawsuits filed with courts in Tokyo, Yokohama, Kyoto and Osaka, respectively, the government and construction material makers were held responsible to pay damages. The lawsuits were filed by some 400 former construction workers and relatives of workers who died of health problems caused by asbestos.