Thursday, September 27, 2001
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Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi delivered a Policy Speech to the 153rd Session of the Diet. In his Policy Speech, the Prime Minister made his own intentions clear, stating, "The series of terrorist attacks in the United States are not only an attack on the United States; indeed, they represent a despicable attack on all of humankind. In talks with President Bush of the United States on 25 September, we agreed wholeheartedly that the countries of the world should unite with the firm resolve to fight this kind of terrorism. I conveyed to President Bush that Japan strongly supports the United States and that Japan will implement all possible measures in response to these acts of terrorism. The fight against terrorism is Japan's own challenge. Japan will, in cooperation with the international community, take effective measures against this threat on its own initiative."
The Prime Minister requested the understanding of the people of Japan, stating, "In my first policy speech to the previous ordinary session of the Diet, I pledged to the people of Japan that I would ceaselessly push on with reforms for what should be termed a "Restoration in a New Century." My policy of advancing reforms by taking a stance of "No fear, no hesitation, and no constraint" received widespread public support on all levels at the general elections for the House of Councillors. The other G8 leaders also expressed their strong expectations for my reforms at the G8 Genoa Summit held in July. What is needed above all else is strong resolve in ceaselessly implementing reforms. With the support of the people of Japan I will proceed with "reforms without sanctuaries." The culmination of these reforms is now about to begin. In order to bring about a bright future for a Japan that has found itself in a state of near paralysis, I will tackle reforms with firm resolve." The Prime Minister further stated, "Throughout its history Japan has time and again seized on crises as opportunities to advance forward, exemplified in the strides we made to become a modern nation after the arrival of the black ships of Commodore Perry, as well as in the determination with which we rebuilt our nation from ashes after the Second World War. These fruits were borne of the efforts of our people, who strove forward to build our nation undaunted by change. I firmly believe that the engine that will propel our nation forward is none other than our ability to accept change and rise with courage to meet the challenges of a new age." |