Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=09/16/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=JAPAN / IRAQ (L-O)

NUMBER=2-294124

BYLINE=MEREDITH BUEL

DATELINE=WASHINGTON

INTERNET=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Japanese Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi has called on Iraq to accept immediate and unconditional inspections by the United Nations, and dispose of all weapons of mass destruction. Ms. Kawaguchi made the remarks during a visit to Washington, and correspondent Meredith Buel has details.

TEXT: The Japanese foreign minister, in a speech delivered at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, welcomed President Bush's decision to work with the U-N Security Council to adopt resolutions on Iraq.

Ms. Kawaguchi urged Baghdad to immediately allow the return of U-N weapons inspectors, without conditions.

/// KAWAGUCHI ACT #1 ///

Regarding weapons of mass destruction, our current focus is, of course, on Iraq. Iraq must comply with all the relevant United Nations resolutions. Iraq's refusal to let the United Nations inspectors in is totally unacceptable.

/// END ACT ///

The Japanese foreign minister says it is important that a broad coalition work to end Iraq's weapons programs.

/// KAWAGUCHI ACT #2 ///

It should be the international community versus Iraq with the weapons of mass destruction. It should not be the United States versus Iraq, or it should not be President Bush versus Saddam Hussein. To place it in the right framework is very important, which President Bush did in the United Nations.

/// END ACT ///

Ms. Kawaguchi says the fight against terrorism since the attacks on the United States last year has been a success in Afghanistan.

She urged the international community to continue supporting the Afghan government by sending financial assistance to help rebuild the country.

/// KAWAGUCHI ACT #3 ///

The next challenge is to make this success a never-ending success story. Afghanistan should not be allowed to become a failed state or a terrorist nation ever again. Recent violent events are the reminders of how vulnerable peace and security in Afghanistan really are. Peace should be consolidated. Achieving peace is a start, not an end.

/// END ACT ///

Japan enacted a special anti-terrorism law allowing its Self-Defense Forces to give logistical support to U-S military forces fighting in Afghanistan.

The law would have to be amended to allow such support for a U-S led war against Iraq. (Signed)

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