Statement by the Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Approval of Cabinet Members’ List by Iraq’s Council of Representatives

July 22, 2008

On July 19, the Iraqi Council of Representatives confirmed the appointment of a Vice Prime Minister and nine ministers, allowing the Iraqi Concord Front (Tawafuq: Sunni parliamentary bloc, which had left the Administration in August 2007) rejoin the Government. Japan has been extending proactive assistance to Iraq’s efforts for national reconciliation such as encouraging political groups to achieve that goal and holding seminars on national reconciliation of Iraq. Japan therefore welcomes the approval as an important step towards Iraq’s national reconciliation.
Iraq has many issues to be achieved such as the enactment of an “Oil and Gas Law,” and a “Provincial Election Law,” as well as the implementation of the Provincial Election. Japan remains committed to extending its cooperation proactively for the progress of the political process of Iraq.

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