Main Points of Press Conference by Foreign Minister Kawaguchi (Murder of Japanese Embassy Staff in Iraq)
Nov.30.2003, From 09:15 a.m.(JST) (in Tokyo)
Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoriko Kawaguchi: At 08:15 a.m. (JST) we received information from the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) that the two murdered persons have been identified as Councilor Katsuhiko Oku and Third Secretary Masamori Inoue. Mr. Oku was on a long-term stay in Iraq and was a councilor at the Japanese Embassy in London. Mr. Inoue was a third secretary at the Japanese Embassy in Iraq. They were both on a trip to attend a meeting on the reconstruction of northern Iraq that was scheduled to be held in Tikrit on November 29. The incident occurred during that trip. These two men were doing their utmost night and day in line with Japan's basic policy of providing assistance for the reconstruction of Iraq. I can only say that the death of these two outstanding men causes me immense grief. I am completely lost for words. I offer my sincere condolences to their families. Regarding the background of this incident and other facts, we will continue our work to confirm the details through the Japanese Embassy in Iraq. Also, Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs Kazunori Tanaka will leave Narita for Kuwait this afternoon. Following the occurrence of this incident, we will review the security measures for the Japanese Embassy in Iraq and embassy staff and take necessary measures immediately. In addition, we want to take all possible measures to ensure the safety of Japanese citizens including reminding the Japanese citizens who are in Iraq, nearly all of them are media representatives, that an evacuation advise has been issued and remind them to pay attention to this advise. This incident cannot be forgiven. In order to firmly carry on the intentions of the two deceased persons, we will not give in to terrorism, and there will be no change in the basic policy of the Japanese government, which is to provide active support for the reconstruction of Iraq. I have received instructions from Prime Minister Koizumi along these lines.Q: Have you determined that the terrorism was targeted in recognition of the fact that they were Japanese diplomats?
A: We do not know whether it was terrorism or not. The facts are being investigated.
Q: Are you thinking of downsizing the Japanese Embassy in Baghdad or withdrawing it?
A: No.
Q: Do you think there will be any change or impact on the plan to dispatch the Self-Defense Forces?
A: As I said just now, the basic policy of Japan remains unchanged.
(END)
Related Information (The Issue of Iraq)
Back to Index