Posted on 04/08/2003 3:34:50 AM PDT by Enemy Of The State
Tokyo ready for rebuilding as war's end nears |
By TARO KARASAKI, The Asahi Shimbun |
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The Japanese government declared Monday the war in Iraq had entered its ``final stages,'' and said Tokyo would now focus on the reconstruction of the country. The government was reacting to news that U.S. forces had pierced the heart of Baghdad and seized presidential palace complexes. However, government officials added the situation was still ``fluctuating'' and acknowledged that it was still too early to predict what kind of reconstruction framework lay ahead, and how Japan would contribute. Asked about reports of U.S. troops in downtown Baghdad, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda told reporters, ``It is difficult to determine the situation at the front, and it is too early to say anything.'' Earlier the same day, Fukuda said he hoped the fighting would end soon, and that he hoped ``discussions on the framework for reconstruction would proceed smoothly.'' Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi also said he hoped for an early end to fighting, but said he believed the ultimate goal of disarming Iraq could only be achieved with the total surrender by the Iraqi regime. Vice Foreign Minister Yukio Takeuchi said the ministry set up a task force Monday for the reconstruction of Iraq composed of nine ministry bureaus and departments and headed by the Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau. The task force will coordinate government policy and consult with other governments, international organizations and NGOs on reconstruction. ``My impression is that the war has entered the final stages. However, it is still too early to say anything definitively,'' Takeuchi told reporters. ``Judging from the current situation, the process of reconstruction will probably take off from this point.'' But he acknowledged Japan's contribution has yet to be decided, in part, because of differing views internationally on Iraqi reconstruction.(IHT/Asahi: April 8,2003) |
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