March 12, 2003

PRESS RELEASE

FEMALE PARLIAMENTARIANS PRESENT PRIME MINISTER
WITH APPEAL TO WORK FOR
PEACEFUL RESOLUTION OF IRAQ CRISIS

A group of female parliamentarians from both houses of the Diet met with Chief Cabinet Minister Fukuda to discuss Japan's stance regarding the proposed American attack on Iraq. At the meeting, the Chief Cabinet Minister was presented with a petition to Prime Minister Koizumi signed by 42 parliamentarians from five political parties and several independent members. The group, representing a majority of female members of parliament, called for Japan to oppose violence and focus on a humanitarian resolution to the Iraq crisis.

The group appealed to the wartime experience of Japan, which left the bitter memory that in conflict, the greatest victims are the innocent - predominately women and children. Concern was also expressed that while over 80% of the population is opposed to military intervention in Iraq, the Japanese government does not reflect this dissent in its international stance.

The group of parliamentarians stressed the importance of complying with UN processes and supporting the weapons inspection procedures. It recommended strengthening the inspections with further manpower and equipment, and called on the Prime Minister Koizumi to display greater creativity and leadership in working to resolve the crisis peacefully.