Statement by the Press Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, on a series of terrorist attacks in Iraq

August 16, 2011
Japanese

Japan has been greatly shocked and felt indignant at the acts of terrorism in 17 cities across Iraq including two terrorist bombings in Kut, and a series of terrorist attacks in Baghdad, Tikrit, Diyala, Najaf, Karbala and others on August 15, which caused more than 60 deaths and 230 other casualties. Japan expresses its deepest condolences for those who have been killed in the attacks and their bereaved families.
Terrorism cannot be justified for any reason, and Japan condemns these atrocious acts of terrorism that indiscriminately target innocent people.
Japan hopes that the Iraqi Government and its people overcome ethnic and religious differences and make efforts toward the stabilization of the security situation and reconstructing its economy, while promoting a national reconciliation. Japan will continue to proactively support such efforts by Iraqi people.

(*This is a provisional translation. The above date denotes the date of the issue of the original press release in Japanese.)

(END)