JAPANESE AMBASSADOR REITERATES FULL SUPPORT TO

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 002584 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/02/2017 TAGS: IZ JA PREL SUBJECT: JAPANESE AMBASSADOR REITERATES FULL SUPPORT TO COALITION REF: BAGHDAD 2568 Classified By: Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Discussing recent political developments, Japanese Ambassador Kenjiro Monji told the Ambassador on August 2 that the Government of Japan (GOJ) will continue to contribute heavily to Iraqi economic development and to support political progress. Monji said he thought the GOJ could be most helpful politically in mobilizing international support for Iraq, both in the expanded neighbors process and with the United Nations (UN). The Ambassador welcomed Japanese support, including via the International Compact. Monji said the GOJ would like to see a wider UN role in Iraq, including with the neighbors process. The Ambassador noted the UN mandate being currently negotiated does envision a broader mandate. However, the UN must step up and play a bigger role. ¶2. (C) Monji also briefed on the two loan agreements signed July 31 as outlined in reftel. The Ambassador noted the importance of Japan's steady investments in the future of Iraq. CROCKER