Japan's Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said that Tokyo will do its utmost to help build a "democratic" Iraq.
During the Prime Minister's New Year's press conference, Koizumi also stressed the significance of quickly organising a "stable government" for the war-stricken country.
"Japan will help the Iraqi people build a democratic government as soon as possible with their own hands. Japan will give as much help as we can to realise that goal," Koizumi said.
"We will provide our assistance based on the view that stability in Middle East will lead to global peace and stability," Koizumi said.
"Although the task may not be safe and may be difficult, I believe Self Defense Forces personnel are best suited to deliver Japan's reconstruction assistance to Iraq," Koizumi said.
"The United Nations has asked its member states to provide as much assistance as possible to Iraq. In response to that request, Japan will give non-combat assistance in Iraq," Koizumi added. (Albawaba.com)
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