Top �� What's up around the Prime Minister �� March, 2003

Decision on Action Guidelines for Responding to the Issue of Iraq Thursday, March 20, 2003 In response to the initiation of military action against Iraq by the United States and other members of coalition, the Government of Japan took a decision on the Action Guidelines for responding to the issue of Iraq. In light of the fact that shortly after noon, President George W. Bush of the United States of America made a televised address in which he declared that military action against Iraq had been initiated, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi held an emergency press conference at which he stated that he understood and supported the use of force by the United States. Furthermore, a Meeting of the Security Council and an Extraordinary Cabinet Meeting were convened and a Statement by the Prime Minister and the establishment of the Emergency Measures Headquarters for the Situation in Iraq, headed by Prime Minister Koizumi, were decided upon by Cabinet Decision. In addition, the Action Guidelines for Responding to the Issue of Iraq, composed of detailed measures to ensure the security of the people of Japan and to prevent confusion in economic systems in Japan and in the world, was also decided upon by Cabinet Decision. Following this, the first meeting of the Emergency Measures Headquarters concerning the Issue of Iraq was held and discussion took place on measures to be taken in order to ensure the security of Japanese nationals in Iraq and its surrounding areas, steps to strengthen counterterrorism measures, ways to ensure the stability of economic systems beginning with ensuring the stable supply of oil as well as humanitarian assistance for refugees and the neighboring countries.