Message of Condolence from Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi
at the Murder of local Staff Member of the Embassy of Japan in Iraq

December 3, 2003

1. On December 3, 2003, Prime Minister Koizumi, 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 would like to convey my sincere condolences at the terrible news concerning Mr. Jerjees, a member of local staff at the Embassy of Japan in Iraq. In the course of work for reconstruction and assistance in Iraq, Mr. Jerjees died in violent circumstances in 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.
   
   Mr. Jerjees acquitted his duties in literally life-threatening situations, and for his selfless act, I would like to express my deepest gratitude and respect. I pray for the peaceful repose of Mr. Jerjees.
   
   
   Junichiro Koizumi
   Prime Minister of Japan"
   
   
   
2. The message of condolence from Prime Minister Koizumi will be conveyed to the family of Mr. Jerjees through the Embassy of Japan in Baghdad.