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Japanese PM Vows Firm Support to US Against Terrorism
Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi pledged Thursday to firmly support the United States fight against terrorism in the wake of terrorist attacks on New York and Washington earlier this month.
Japan strongly supports U.S. President George W. Bush's resolve to combat terrorism, Koizumi said in his policy speech to the Diet (parliament) extraordinary session, which opened Thursday.
Noting the fight is also a problem that concerns Japan, Koizumi said he will thus make the necessary arrangements to realize the seven-point plan for Japan's response to the terrorist attacks.
Last week, Koizumi announced the plan, which includes taking steps so that Japan's Self-Defense Forces (SDF) could be dispatched to provide rear-area logistical support to the anticipated US-led retaliation.
On the diplomatic front, Koizumi renewed his wish to meet the top leaders of China and South Korea at an early date to mend ties with the two countries.
Koizumi sparked strong criticism from the two countries after visiting Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, which honors war criminals along Japan's war dead, in August.
Koizumi reconfirmed that the relationship with the US is the fundamental basis of Japan's foreign policy, while he pledged to continue talks with Russia over a pending peace treaty.
The Japanese prime minister also said he will make efforts to move forward the stalled negotiations to normalize diplomatic ties with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
On the Japanese economy, Koizumi reiterated his resolve to carry out bold economic structural reforms, saying the crucial work is yet to come.
"I will move forth in carrying out the reforms with firm resolve so as to bring back a bright future for Japan in the face of hardship," he said.
To deal with Japan's record 5 percent unemployment rate, Koizumi said he will make efforts to reinforce the college curriculums to create more jobs in new markets and industries and strengthen the job-searching network on the Internet.
Regarding bad loans held by financial institutions, Koizumi pledged to "normalize" the situation within three years.
Koizumi said he will adopt measures to prevent heinous crimes, ensure the safety of buildings and facilities in the event of fire and other emergencies, and publicize information on mad cow disease.
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