China urges int'l community to continue support Iraq in counter-terrorism, reconstruction

The international community should continue to support Iraq in counter-terrorism and reconstruction, said Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, on Tuesday.

Geng made the remarks at a U.N. Security Council (UNSC) meeting on the situation concerning Iraq at the U.N. headquarters in New York city.

Mohamed Al Hassan, Special Representative of the U.N. Secretary-General for Iraq, made a briefing at the meeting, noting that Iraq is steadily pushing forward with reconstruction and political process, and has made positive progress towards "more stability, more prosperity and closer regional integration."

At the meeting, Geng expressed appreciation over Iraq's national development toward peace and stability, noting that the international community should continue to support the country in dealing with the lingering terrorism threats.

"Iraq is still facing the threat of terrorism, which continues to affect its security and stability. The international community should continue to help Iraq strengthen its counter-terrorism capacity building, eliminate the remnants of terrorist forces, and consolidate the counter-terrorism gains achieved over the years," Geng said.

As the U.N. Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) approaches formal termination of its mandate in December this year, Geng said China supports the U.N. Secretary-General’s plan for its transition and withdrawal, and hopes the Iraqi Government and UNAMI will coordinate closely to bring the Mission's work over 20 years to a successful conclusion.

China urges int'l community to continue support Iraq in counter-terrorism, reconstruction

China urges int'l community to continue support Iraq in counter-terrorism, reconstruction

China urges int'l community to continue support Iraq in counter-terrorism, reconstruction

Some Japanese people said on Thursday that the government led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi must firmly uphold the pacifist constitution.

Their remarks came after French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Japan from Tuesday to Thursday.

Attending a joint press conference with Takaichi on Wednesday, Macron emphasized that France and Japan have agreed on the importance of on the importance of quickly de-escalating the conflict in the Middle East and upholding international law.

Many saw this as a response to a strongly worded post by U.S. President Donald Trump on social media, which criticized France for refusing to cooperate with the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

Some locals in Tokyo expressed their opposition to Japan's involvement in any war, but said Japan could offer help when the conflict in the Middle East ends.

"I think that Prime Minister Takaichi could offer support, provided that we wouldn't get involved in an armed conflict, such as minesweeping operations at sea, as Japan has the best minesweeping technology in the world," said a resident in Tokyo.

"I'm not entirely sure what consequences will follow Trump's demands. There may be additional tariffs, among other things. Our constitution prohibits [Japan's] from getting involved in war, and Prime Minister Takaichi should uphold this principle," said another resident.

Tokyo residents urge PM Takaichi to uphold pacifist constitution