1. The Government of Japan decided on June 27 (Fri) to extend financial assistance of 1 million US dollars to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon for the purpose of investigating the case of assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri and restoring the rule of law in Lebanon, in response to a request by the United Nations. Mr. Masahiko Koumura, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, announced this assistance at the G8 Foreign Ministers’ meeting.

2. Japan’s assistance will be spent for the establishment of the Special Tribunal, which will start its full mission on the basis of the results of the investigation. Japan hopes that this assistance will contribute to the peace and stability of Lebanon and the region.

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