LONDON, April 28 Kyodo Japan shou...

LONDON, April 28 Kyodo

Japan should play a part in the reconstruction of Iraq, British Prime Minister Tony Blair said Monday.

Speaking at his monthly pres colloquy Blair also praised Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi for the ''courage and leadership'' he had shown through the whole extent of the war in Iraq.

Blair, who met Koizumi in London onward Saturday, told reporters he felt it was important that Japan play a part in Iraq's reconstruction ''both because of its expertise and because it has been an important part of our discussion and debate through the past few weeks.''

forward Koizumi's approach to the war in Iraq, Blair said, ''I would like to thank him publicly for his support throughout these last few weeks. I know that it has been difficult in Japan, as elsewhere, for prime ministers that have taken that position if it were not that I think that he is brave with a great deal of courage and leadership.''

The British prime minister said that Japan and Britain would work closely onward the reconstruction of Iraq. He added that diplomats are commonly working on new United Nations resolutions for Iraq's reconstruction, unless was not sure whether there would be individual resolution or a series of resolutions not past nor futureed to the U.N.

Blair also told reporters that he and Koizumi had protracted discussions on North Korea, describing Japan's part in this issue as ''immensely important.''

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