On January 11, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso issued the following statement on the announcement by the U.S. government on the U.S. new policy in Iraq .
- 1. On January 11 at 11:00 a.m. ( Japan time), President George W. Bush announced a change in the U.S. strategy in Iraq . The Government of Japan considers that this announcement is indeed a further effort of the U.S. Government towards the stabilization of Iraq . Japan strongly hopes that the US efforts for the stabilization and reconstruction of Iraq will be promoted in an effective manner, bringing about good outcomes. Japan intends to continue closely consulting and cooperating with the U.S.
- 2. The Government of Japan recognizes that the situation in Iraq is in a severe condition due to deteriorating sectarian conflicts and other factors. Japan will proactively promote its assistance, in cooperation with the international society, through airlift service by the Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) and Yen Loan projects so that Iraq will become a more stable nation overcoming various difficulties to achieve national reconciliation and security improvement. Japan had already expressed its intention to extend Yen Loans for eight projects (160 million dollars) to Iraq and on January 10 exchanged Notes for four projects out of the eight projects.
[Related links]
Japan-U.S. Relations
http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/english/html/japanus/japanus_index.htm
Japan ’s Assistance to Iraq (Fact Sheet) (October 13, 2006)
http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/english/html/pressreleases/2006/1013.htm
The Issue of Iraq
http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/middle_e/iraq/issue2003/index.html
Japan-Iraq Relations
http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/middle_e/iraq/index.html
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