Statement by Mr. Taro Aso, Minister for Foreign Affairs, on the Announcement by the United States (U.S.) Government on the U.S. New Policy in Iraq

January 11, 2007
Japanese

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.
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 (1.6 billion dollars) to Iraq and on January 10 exchanged Notes for four projects out of the eight projects.

(END)