Message of Condolence from Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoriko Kawaguchi at the Murder of Local Staff Member of the Embassy of Japan in Iraq Mr. Jerjees Sulaiman Zura

1. On December 3, 2003, Foreign Minister Kawaguchi, lamenting the death of Mr. Jerjees Sulaiman Zura, a local staff member (driver) at the Embassy of Japan in Iraq who was shot and killed on November 29, 2003, while in transit through the suburbs of Tikrit, together with Counsellor Katsuhiko Oku of the Embassy of Japan in the UK and Third Secretary Masamori Inoue of the Embassy of Japan in Iraq, sent the following message of condolence to the family of Mr. Jerjees.
   
   "I was tremendously shocked to hear the terrible news that Mr. Jerjees had been slain. Allow me to offer my sincere condolences to all members of Mr. Jerjees' family in their grief and bereavement.
   
   Mr. Jerjees had served diligently as a member of local staff of the Embassy of Japan in Iraq for a long period totaling nearly 20 years. He was greatly trusted by the Embassy staff for his sincere and positive outlook to his work. It rends the heart to lose a respected colleague and dear friend in such grievous and saddening circumstances.
   
   On behalf of Japan, I would like to express my deepest respect and gratitude for the devoted service of Mr. Jerjees and pray for his peaceful repose.
   
   
   Yoriko Kawaguchi
   Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan"
   
   
   
2. The message of condolence from Foreign Minister Kawaguchi will be conveyed to the family of Mr. Jerjees through the Embassy of Japan in Baghdad.