| Rising from the ashes of World War II with
the support and cooperation of many countries in the world, Japan has built
today’s peace and prosperity as a technology country represented by its
cars, information products and electronic consumer goods. |
| On the basis of our experience, we believe
that reconstruction of a peaceful Iraq is necessary not only for the peace
and stability of the entire Middle East region and the international community
but also for the peace and prosperity of Japan itself. In cooperation with
other countries, therefore, we plan to provide active assistance to Iraq
with Japan Self-Defense Forces troops and civilians as well as with financial
aid so Iraq can rebuild itself as soon as possible and its people can live
in a free and prosperous society without concerns about their present or
their future. |
| The activities of the Self-Defense Forces
in Iraq will focus on humanitarian and reconstruction assistance and are
designed solely to help the people of Iraq in their attempt to rebuild their
own country. |
| For more than 10 years since 1992, the Self-Defense
Forces have provided a variety of assistance to Cambodia, Zaire (the present
Democratic Republic of the Congo), East Timor and many other countries,
airlifting aid supplies, repairing and improving roads, transporting goods
on the ground, supplying medical aid and preventing the outbreak and spread
of diseases. We are convinced that these experiences will prove to be of
valuable service in the reconstruction of Iraq. |
