Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japan on Tuesday welcomed the holding of the fifth elections for the Iraqi Council of Representatives “in a generally peaceful manner” and said it expects that the elections will serve as an opportunity for ensuring further stability and development in Iraq as its democratic process continues to advance.

“The government of Japan hopes that in Iraq, the process towards the confirmation of the election results will proceed in a fair, prompt and peaceful manner, and that a new administration will be inaugurated as early as possible, foreign minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu said in a statement.

Japan has supported Iraq’s efforts towards its democratization and national reconciliation, Motegi said.

Upon the request of the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) of Iraq, as before, the Government of Japan conducted election monitoring activities, led by the Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of Japan in Iraq.