| 14 February 2003 |
| DPJ present position on the Iraqi Issue. |
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The Democratic Party of Japan
1. Basic recognition of the Iraqi Issue.
There are allegations of Iraq developing, using and spreading weapons of mass destruction. It is from the diplomatic perspective extremely important that in responding adequately to the Iraqi issue, consideration should be given to the danger of terrorist organizations acquiring weapons of mass destruction, as well as peace in the Middle East, energy security and response to the tense situation that surrounds North Korea.
We share the same basic recognition as the UN Security Council Resolution N1441 that states, "Iraq's non-compliance with Council resolutions poses a threat to international peace and security." However, concerning the issue of Iraq's development of weapons of mass destruction, the situation is completely different from the Gulf war for the liberation of Kuwait or anti-terrorist operation in Afghanistan after September 11 terrorist attacks. Therefore, any response must be made in accordance with this assumption.
2. Future issues
(1) Response for the time being
We strongly demand that Japan promote cooperation with the UN for the peaceful, non-military resolution of the crisis from the perspective of importance of the international coalition throughout the UN Security Council. At the same time, we strongly demand that Japan urge the US for self-restraint in unilateral actions and take a cautious approach.
Iraq, in response to the UNMOVIC and IAEA reports and the US presented evidence, must try to counter all the allegations through full cooperation with weapons inspectors.
Concerning the UN inspections operations, to strictly examine allegations of Iraqi development of weapons of mass destruction, based on presented evidence and information, inspection organization must be drastically strengthened with equipment and people in accordance with the French and German plan, which assumes the use of international force and PKO. The UN inspection must be continued.
The development of the situation must be monitored and an all-out effort for crisis management must be made, including protection of Japanese nationals overseas.
(2) Response should the US begin unilateral military action against Iraq without the UN resolution
Should the US carry out an armed attack on Iraq without a new UN Security Council resolution, this action must be opposed.
(3) Response should the UN Security Council adopt a resolution approving an armed attack
Should the Security Council adopt the new resolution, if the use of force is exercised in accordance with it, we cannot support the use of force aimed at overthrowing the political regime in Iraq. We will demand the government establish a clear line of support operations in accordance with the Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law. Especially, during military actions, civilian losses must be prevented and limitation must be imposed on the scrapping of weapons of mass destruction and delivery vehicles
Diplomacy must be conducted attaching much importance to humanitarian aid such as measures to help refugees, food aid, cooperation to maintain stability in neighboring countries such as Turkey and Jordan, minimization of the effects of war and aid for post war reconstruction.
While calling on OPEC oil-producing countries to undertake efforts to maintain stable oil supply, we will consider measures to stabilize the supply of energy, such as strengthening the collective oil- stockpiling regime in Japan and Asia. |
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