The Middle East

   Japan has been steadily implementing Official Development Assistance (ODA) for the reconstruction of Iraq, for a maximum of approximately five billion US dollars. The Ground Self-Defense Force, which had been deployed to Samawah for humanitarian and reconstruction assistance, completed their activities in Samawah in July. The Air Self-Defense Force continues to undertake assistance activities. Under the concept of the “consolidation of peace,” Japan has also been providing assistance to Afghanistan towards the political process, the restoration of internal security, and reconstruction. In addition, the Iranian nuclear issue has stirred up a crisis in the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, and this situation has the potential to undermine the stability of the entire Middle East region. In United Nations Security Council Resolution 1737 the international community has voiced its unanimous concern regarding this situation. Japan has implemented this resolution and urges Iran to comply with this resolution faithfully. With the Gulf states, Japan is working to strengthen its economic relationship with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), including by launching negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

   As for Japan's efforts for the Middle East Peace Process, Japan continued to work on the parties concerned to achieve peace through dialogues, and as part of such efforts Japan proposed the concept of a “Corridor for Peace and Prosperity,” which was announced by Prime Minister Koizumi during his visit to Israel, the Palestinian territories and Jordan in July 2006.