Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoriko Kawaguchi issued the following statement regarding the unanimous adoption by the United Nations Security Council of Resolution 1546:

"In the evening of June 8 (Japan time: early morning of June 9), the United Nations Security Council adopted unanimously UNSC resolution 1546, which endorsed the formation of an Interim Government of Iraq, welcomed the end of the occupation and the reassertion of full sovereignty of Iraq, and clarified the role of the United Nations and the task of the multinational force. The resolution clearly indicates that a sovereign government of Iraq was established and the political process entered a new phase, encourages efforts of nation building by Iraqi people themselves and contributes to strengthen the international solidarity that supports such efforts by Iraqi people. Japan welcomes the adoption of this resolution and values efforts made so far by UNSC member states, including the US, the UK and Romania, co-sponsors of the resolution.

"Japan hopes that the political process and reconstruction of Iraq will progress steadily under its Interim Government, following the adoption of the resolution, for which leading role of the United Nations in assisting the political process of Iraq and concerted international cooperation in reconstructing Iraq are indispensable. Japan therefore intends to continue extending utmost cooperation in the reconstruction of Iraq."

Related Information:
Foreign Policy: The Issue of Iraq