1. The Government of Japan has sent a message from Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari and President Jalal Talabani of the Iraqi Transitional Government. Its gist is as follows:
========== Prime Minister Koizumi’s Message ==========
On behalf of the Government of Japan and its people, I extend my congratulations on the smooth implementation of the National Assembly election held yesterday, December 15th.
I hope that the new government will be formed promptly in harmonious coordination among religious and ethnic groups.
The Government of Japan decided on December 8th to extend the period of the dispatch of the Self-Defense Forces to Iraq , taking into account the request of the Government of Iraq.
Japan will continue providing active support for the Iraqi people's nation-building efforts.
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2. Mr. Aso Taro, Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs, also issued a statement on the election on December 16 as follows:
=========== Foreign Minister Aso’s Statement ===========
On December 15 (Thu), the National Assembly election was conducted without major disruption. Japan welcomes this as very important development in Iraq 's political process, and congratulates the Iraqi Transitional Government and people of Iraq .
Japan hopes that the new government will be formed promptly in harmonious coordination among religious and ethnic groups.
Japan will continue providing active support on the Iraqi people's nation-building efforts, along with the international community.
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[Related Links]
* Japan Decides to Extend Activities of the Self Defense Forces in Iraq
http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/english/html/pressreleases/2005/120905.htm
* Japan-Iraq Summit Meeting
http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/english/html/pressreleases/2005/120805b.htm
* On the National Referendum on the Draft Constitution of Iraq : Statement by the Press Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/english/html/pressreleases/2005/101805.htm
* Japan ’s Assistance to Iraq (Fact Sheet) (as of October 17)
http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/middle_e/iraq/issue2003/assistance/assist0510.pdf
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