Statement by Mr. Katsuya Okada, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, on the election of the Council of Representatives in Iraq

March 8, 2010
Japanese

Japan welcomes that the voting for the Council of Representatives of Iraq was carried out on March 7 (Sun) 2010, which has a great significance for the solid establishment of democracy in the country.
Japan expresses its deepest condolences for those who have been killed by the multiple attacks on the election day and to the families of the victims. However, the large turnout we witnessed despite these atrocious incidents gives us a positive prospect for the future of Iraq.
Japan dispatched an Electoral Observation Mission, headed by Mr. Gotaro Ogawa, Ambassador in Charge of Reconstruction Assistance to Iraq, in cooperation with the Government of Iraq and other countries from the international community. The Mission conducted observation activities in Baghdad and Erbil. According to the report of the Mission, the election, while it encountered several security incidents and was held under harsh security situation, was conducted without major disturbances.
Japan will continue to actively support the efforts of the government and the people of Iraq for stability and development of the country.

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