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Koizumi: Iran nuclear situation is 'grave issue'
AFP
WASHINGTON
Petroleumworld.com 06 30 06
Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said Thursday after talks with US President George W. Bush that Tokyo considered Iran's nuclear programs "a grave issue" of global concern.
"With regard to Iranian nuclear proliferation, Japan also is concerned about this problem," Koizumi said through an interpreter as the two leaders took questions after talks in the White House Oval Office.
"The Iranian issue remains a grave issue for the entire world economy. And Japan wishes to cooperate with the United States and other countries concerned on this matter as well," said the prime minister.
The United States has backed a package of incentives crafted in cooperation with Britain, France, Germany, China and Russia in an effort to convince Iran to accept limits on its nuclear programs.
"The United States attaches importance to cooperation with (the European Union) and other countries concerned. Japan certainly supports that US stance of seeking resolution through dialogue regarding the nuclear proliferation issue," said the prime minister.
Tokyo has maintained close relations with Tehran both before and after the 1979 Islamic revolution which toppled the Western-friendly shah, and is a top investor in Iran's oil sector.
Japan has urged Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment program, which the United States believes is for military purposes, but said repeatedly it will continue its oil investments.
AFP 29 1704 GMT 06 06
Copyright ©2006 AFP. All Rights Reserved.
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