Statement by the Press Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, on terrorist bombings in Iraq

January 5, 2012
Japanese

Japan has been greatly shocked and felt indignant at terrorist bombings targeting Shiite residents and pilgrims at Shiite district in Baghdad and on the outskirts of the southern city of Nasiriyah, on January 5, which caused many deaths and injuries. 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 the differences of ethnicity, religion, political belief and partisanship and make efforts for the stabilization of the security situation and reconstructing its economy, while promoting national reconciliation. Japan will continue to proactively support such efforts by Iraq.

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

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