Special Announcement by the Press Secretary

(Foreign Minister's telephone conversation with USA)

April 15, 2003

Ms. Yoriko KAWAGUCHI, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, had a telephone conversation with Mr. Colin Powell, Secretary of State of the United States of America, in the evening of April 15 (Tokyo time).

Minister Kawaguchi conveyed the following points, based on the outcome of her recent visit to Europe.
Minister Kawaguchi said the war in Iraq reached the current stage quickly, and paid respect to the efforts made by the US and UK, and the peoples of both countries. She also mentioned that Japan intended to play an active role in the areas of humanitarian and reconstruction assistance to Iraq, while continuing its close coordination with the US.
On her recent visit to Europe, Minister Kawaguchi said that she had explained Japan's views on humanitarian and reconstruction assistance to Iraq and emphasized the importance of a concerted effort by the international community.
On the political process in Iraq, Minister Kawaguchi said that she supported a political process involving the Iraqi people as main actors from the beginning, including the process of holding meetings by the Iraqi people.

Secretary Powell expressed his gratitude for Minister Kawaguchi's sharing the result of her recent visit to Europe, and said that he was also communicating with the Foreign Ministers of Europe. Secretary Powell said he would endeavor to achieve a realistic solution with the countries concerned. On the political process in Iraq, Secretary Powell said he is observing the development of the meeting of Iraqi people currently being held.

Both sides agreed to continue their close consultation and coordination on the political process in post-war Iraq and humanitarian and reconstruction assistance.

• Related Information (The Issue of Iraq)
• Related Information (Foreign Minister's Visit to Europe)