Koizumi says Iraq's cooperation with U.N. vital for rehab

Koizumi says Iraq's cooperation with U.N. vital for rehab

TOKYO, Japan - Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi (R) and Mohammed Bahr al-Ulloum, chairman of the interim Iraqi Governing Council shake hands prior to their meeting in Tokyo on March 24. Koizumi told al-Ulloum that ensuring the United Nations' engagement and improving public security are essential in facilitating Iraq's reconstruction.

Ishiba hopes Iraq will recover just as Japan did after WWII

Ishiba hopes Iraq will recover just as Japan did after WWII

TOKYO, Japan - Mohammed Bahr al-Ulloum (L), chairman of the interim Iraqi Governing Council, and Japanese Defense Agency Director General Shigeru Ishiba pose for photos prior to their talks in Tokyo on March 24. Ishiba told al-Ulloum he hopes that Iraq will recover just as Japan did after its World War II.

Iraqi leader welcomes Japan's support for reconstruction

Iraqi leader welcomes Japan's support for reconstruction

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Iraqi Governing Council Chairman Mohammed Bahr al-Ulloum speaks during an interview with Kyodo News in Baghdad on March 21 prior to his visit to Japan from March 23. He said he hopes Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force troops will stay in the southern Iraqi city of Samawah for an extended period of time to help rebuild of the country.

Koizumi says Iraq's cooperation with U.N. vital for rehab

Koizumi says Iraq's cooperation with U.N. vital for rehab

TOKYO, Japan - Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi (R) and Mohammed Bahr al-Ulloum, chairman of the interim Iraqi Governing Council shake hands prior to their meeting in Tokyo on March 24. Koizumi told al-Ulloum that ensuring the United Nations' engagement and improving public security are essential in facilitating Iraq's reconstruction. (Kyodo)

Ishiba hopes Iraq will recover just as Japan did after WWII

Ishiba hopes Iraq will recover just as Japan did after WWII

TOKYO, Japan - Mohammed Bahr al-Ulloum (L), chairman of the interim Iraqi Governing Council, and Japanese Defense Agency Director General Shigeru Ishiba pose for photos prior to their talks in Tokyo on March 24. Ishiba told al-Ulloum he hopes that Iraq will recover just as Japan did after its World War II. (Kyodo)

Iraqi leader welcomes Japan's support for reconstruction

Iraqi leader welcomes Japan's support for reconstruction

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Iraqi Governing Council Chairman Mohammed Bahr al-Ulloum speaks during an interview with Kyodo News in Baghdad on March 21 prior to his visit to Japan from March 23. He said he hopes Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force troops will stay in the southern Iraqi city of Samawah for an extended period of time to help rebuild of the country. (Kyodo)