Taha Yaseen Ramadan Holds Press Conference in Amman, October 4, Refers to Talks with Japanese Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu

TAHA YASEEN RAMADAN HOLDS PRESS CONFERENCE IN AMMAN OCTOBER 4, REFERS TO TALKS WITH JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER TOSHIKI KAIFU

At 1630 hrs on October 4, First Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq Mr. Taha Yaseen Ramadan held a press conference at the Amman Plaza Hotel, where he talked about nature of his visit to Jordan, his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu and other issues concerning the developments in the Gulf crisis.

Following is what Mr Ramadan said about the talks with Mr. Kaifu:

“While in Amman, we held talks with Japanese Prime Minister this morning. The two sides outlined their views, confirming that a peaceful settlement should be sought. This is the first official meeting between Iraq and Japan since the events of August 2d. Both sides agreed that discussions should continue between the two sides.”

Responding to a question on the nature of the talks with the Japanese Prime Minister, Mr. Ramadan said:

“l talked about this issue, I did not mention "identical views". We agreed that the best method is the way of peace and dialog. We also [sic] found it necessary to continue this dialog on any level. Within the framework of consultations, as you know, Iraq 10 days after the events (of August 2d) declared an initiative, calling for all withdrawals from Palestine, Lebanon, the Golan, and the issue· of the Gulf as well. Then the party that refuses to abide by UN resolutions would be subject to sanctions. We did not say that all articles in the 12 August initiative must be acceptable to the other party. Yet we are ready to develop or add on the initiative to make it acceptable. We reject "selectivity" in international legitimacy.”