Statement by the Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the poison gas accident in Qiqihar City, Heilongjiang Province

August 12, 2003

1. An investigation into the poison gas accident that occurred in Qiqihar City, Heilongjiang Province, China, on August 4 has revealed that it was caused by abandoned chemical weapons of the former Japanese Army. The Government of Japan considers such an accident extremely regrettable, and also expresses its heartfelt sympathy to the victims, while feeling strong compassion for them.
   
   
2. To prevent such damage in the future, the Government of Japan intends to deal with dangerous abandoned chemical weapons as soon as possible, and to properly dispose of them as obligated by the Chemical Weapons Convention. The Government of Japan intends to respond sincerely to the incident and cooperate closely with the Chinese side.

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