Following is the gist of remarks made by Hiroshi Okuda, Chairman, Nippon-Keidanren at a press conference on 24 March 2003. Translation is rush and tentative, and sequence of the gist does not necessarily coincide with words delivered.
(On Iraq Issue)
Japanese political and economic management has been based on strong ties with the US and it should be kept even in a current situation. As a member of international society, Japan is to bear adequate share of burden on resolving Iraqis issue. Stability of middle-east region and Korean peninsula needs to be sufficiently taken care of.
Stock prices are on the increase, but the war's substantial impact on the Japanese economy has not been seen yet. Even if peace comes in a short time, it does not mean global economy is free from uncertainty. Fear for terrorism is in the way of easy optimism.