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1. The President of the United States announced the death of Usama Bin Laden today (May 1, EST), responsible for series of terrorist attacks including 9.11.
2. This is the result of the long-standing and united efforts against terrorism by the United States and the international community toward prevention and eradication of international terrorism. Japan has been actively engaged in measures against the threat of terrorism, such as cooperation with Afghanistan and Pakistan. Japan welcomes this remarkable progress in counter-terrorism and highly respects the efforts by countries concerned, including the United States and Pakistan.
3. Although the death of Usama Bin Laden was confirmed, terrorists such as Al Qaida have not been eliminated and the threat of terrorism still remains serious as there have been terrorist incidents in various areas of the world including Afghanistan and Pakistan. Counter-terrorism efforts will not cease, and it is necessary for the international community to continue to pay close attention to Al Qaida activities and cooperate closely to maintain long-term measures in all fields of counter-terrorism. It is also necessary for the international community to cooperate and work together on the stability and reconstruction of Afghanistan.
4. The Government of Japan has already been exerting its efforts to protect Japan and Japanese people by ensuring the waterfront control, security in its territory, and safety of our nationals overseas. In response to this development, the Government directed its relevant Ministries and agencies to further strengthen measures including information gathering. The Government will continue to take the all possible measures of counter-terrorism, and to play a positive and proactive role in the efforts of the international community as its responsible member.
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