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2013/01/22
Statement on the Hostage Crisis in Algeria
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On January 22, DPJ President Banri Kaieda made the following statement:
The operation by the Algerian army in response to the hostage crisis involving many civilians, including Japanese citizens, at a natural gas installation in In Amenas ended with the deaths and arrest of terrorists as well as the deaths and injury of workers from various countries.
The news of the deaths of seven Japanese citizens out of the 17 involved fills me with heartbreaking grief. My deepest condolences go out to the victims of this incident, their families, and all the people concerned. I sympathize with everyone embroiled in this horrible incident.
The Democratic Party of Japan strongly requests that the Government now act with great sensitivity for the families of all those who were killed and injured in the terrorist attack. We hope to see the utmost support for those involved in order to help them come back to Japan to see their families as soon as possible. We also request immediate action to confirm the safety of the three Japanese citizens who remain missing one week after the start of this incident. And we wish to clarify the details and conditions of those who passed away.
Regardless of the reason, terrorism against defenseless citizens cannot be tolerated. There can be no doubt that we must not submit to those who commit such wicked and intolerable acts as violence against civilians or the seizing and killing of hostages. The Democratic Party of Japan condemns the terrorist group in the strongest possible terms and with an extreme anger.
We will continue to make every effort for the disclosure of the details behind this incident. In addition, by utilizing all available resources, including the experiences, knowledge, and networks, and cooperation of people in various fields, the DPJ pledges to do everything in its power to protect Japanese citizens from this kind of incident in the future.
Banri Kaieda
Chair
DPJ Headquarters for Countermeasures related to the Abduction of Japanese Nationals in Algeria
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