Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura's Message concerning Incidents in Baghdad

September 1, 2005

I was shocked to learn that hundreds of people were dead and injured while they were attending religious ceremony in Baghdad on 31 August.

I would like to convey heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the Iraqi government, to the victims and to the bereaved families. I also offer sincere sympathy to those injured.

I believe that the Iraqi people are able to overcome this hardship with mutual cooperation among your people.

I intend to continue my support for the nation re-building efforts of the Iraqi people.

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