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Congratulatory Messages from Mr. Junichiro Koizumi, Prime Minister of Japan, to Mr. Mahmoud Abbas, New President (Ra'ees) of the Palestinian Interim Self-Government Authority January 10, 2005

Following the news of the victory of Mr. Mahmoud Abbas, the new Ra'ees of the Palestinian Self-Government Authority, in the election held on January 9, Mr. Junichiro Koizumi, Prime Minister of Japan, sent a congratulatory message to the newly elected Ra'ees on January 10. The gist of the messages is as follows: "Prime Minister extends his congratulations upon the election of Mr. Abbas as the new Ra'ees. Japan hopes Mr. Abbas will demonstrate his leadership to rebuild responsible systems of government, including maintenance of public security, and make further efforts for peace with Israel. Japan will proactively support the peace efforts of the Palestinian Authority. We will also work for further promoting friendly relations between the Japanese and the Palestinians."