Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on Sunday reiterated to reporters at his residence in Tokyo's Shinagawa Ward his resolve not to bend to terrorism and to ensure the safety of Japanese sent to Iraq.

Question: What is your reaction to the killing of two Japanese diplomats?

Answer: It is extremely regrettable. Oku and Ito were both very capable and promising people who played indispensable and central roles in the reconstruction of Iraq. I am sorry. Why they had to do this-I cannot but feel angry.

Q: What instructions have you issued?

A: The first thing is to confirm the facts as soon as possible. And to send condolences to the families and to do all that the government can do for the families in the future.

As a member of the international community, we cannot give way to terrorism. I have given clear instructions that there is no change in Japan's commitment to provide humanitarian aid to Iraq and its reconstruction.

Q: What did you tell the family members of the two?

A: I conveyed my condolences (by phone) to Mrs. Oku and Mrs. Inoue. I am at a loss of words.

Q: Do you think the incident was the result of terrorism?

A: We have not yet been able to clearly confirm the situation (or) whether a terrorist organization targeted Japanese or if it was done by the likes of thieves and robbers.

Q: How will the incident affect the planned dispatch of Self-Defense Forces?

A: The Japanese government has said that members of the SDF, civilians and government employees will do what they should do for reconstruction work and humanitarian aid, and there is no change to that stand. We will thoroughly confirm safety situations and reconfirm safety measures.

Q: Has safety been secured?

A: There are places where we can do that and where we cannot.

Q: How would you deal with the deaths of SDF members?

A: We will take every precaution so that there will be no casualties.

Q: What about cooperation with the U.S. military?

A: We will cooperate. We will closely cooperate with military units of various nations.

Q: When will you decide (about sending the SDF)?

A: I have not changed my stand that I will (decide) after taking into full account the timing.(IHT/Asahi: December 1,2003) (12/01)