Toward peace and stability in the Middle East (Statement by Ms. Yoriko Kawaguchi, Minister for Foreign Affairs)

March 20, 2003
Japanese

The Government of Japan deeply recognizes that anxiety for the future in the Middle East is mounting because of the military actions against Iraq. Now is the time for Japan to make further efforts for peace and stability in the region, because they are directly linked with the peace and prosperity of Japan.
The Government of Japan will make the following efforts.
(1) Steps to address the consequences of the military actions
    First, it is important to address the issues of refugees and displaced persons caused by the military actions, and to alleviate the negative economic impact upon the region. For that purpose, Japan will provide emergency humanitarian and other assistance to the neighboring countries and region for the present. Further, so that a better Iraq can revive, peacefully coexisting with the other countries in the region, with territorial integrity and without possessing weapons of mass destruction, Japan will make efforts with the international community for the consolidation of peace and the reconstruction of Iraq.

(2) Peace in the Middle East
    Second, Japan will continue its serious efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East, which is the key for stability in the region. We will strengthen our efforts to work on Israelis and Palestinians, as well as the related countries, for resuming peace negotiations between the two sides, providing assistance for the Palestinians' reform efforts, and building confidence from a mid to long-term perspective.

(3) Stronger relationship with the Islamic world
    Third, Japan will continue and strengthen dialogue with the Islamic world, which has a long-inherited history and civilization, and deepen our understanding of the region. From this perspective, projects for cultural exchanges with the Islamic world, and visits of leading figures from and to the region will be stepped up. Through these efforts, Japan will promote broadly-based and deeper exchanges and mutual understanding with the Islamic world.

(END)

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