QUESTION: It’s about so-called comfort women issue between Korea and Japan. Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo reported that the Secretary Clinton told State Department official that the term “comfort women” is wrong and should be referred to as “enforced sex slaves.” Can you comment on that?

MR. VENTRELL: Well, again, what I can say in general is that what happened to these women during World War II was deplorable. The U.S. position is that it was a grave human rights violation of enormous proportions, and we extend our sincere and deep sympathy to the victims.

In terms of what may or may not have been said in a private meeting, I just – I don’t have any readout for you.

QUESTION: Which terminology do you use for – to describe those women, comfort women or sex slaves?

MR. VENTRELL: Again, I don’t know if the U.S. Government has a preferred term. I can look into it, but I just don’t know if we have a --

QUESTION: I didn’t quite get – understand what you said. And so U.S. position is that they are actually enforced sex slaves?

MR. VENTRELL: Again, I don’t have for – here for you today to readout a particular terminology that is the preferred U.S. Government term. What I can tell you is that during World War II what happened to these women was deplorable. I’d be happy to look in to see if we have a preferred U.S. Government term, but at this point that’s all I have for you.

QUESTION: What is your understanding?

MR. VENTRELL: Hmm?

QUESTION: What is your understanding?

MR. VENTRELL: I don’t have anything further for you.