[centre][img=http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/koizumispeech/2006/images/0327yosan.jpg]

[b]Prime Minister Kuozumi delivering a press conference on the 9/11 attacks[/centre][/b]

[i]It was only yesterday that a horrific attack took place upon the soil of the United States of America, taking a great number of precious and innocent lives. Such an extremely vicious act of violence can never be forgiven. I am outraged by these attacks, which pose a grave challenge not only to the American people but to all people of the entire free world.

On behalf of Japan, I would like to express once my greatest condolences for the victims and their bereaved families, as well as my heartfelt sympathies to the President and the people of the United States and to all who have suffered.

Let it be clear that Japan strongly supports the United States and is resolved to spare no effort in providing necessary assistance and cooperation. We must stand firmly together with the concerned nations of the world to ensure that such acts are never repeated.[/i]

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Prime Minister Koizumi gave a respectful bow to the press after the obligatory questions. They were to be expected, but they were simple enough. He accorded one of his most solemn grimaces, making clear how grim the matter was, before departing from the press conference as his foreign minister took to answering further questions. As he travelled with his entourage back to his office, he could not help but become lost in thought. Such a devastating attack from afar had surprised even the United States, one of the most advanced nations in the world. What was to stop a repeat attack from affecting Japan? It was only six years after terrorists had struck Japan, and now not even America was safe. Unlike the Sarin gas attack, however, America's perpetrators had came from abroad - but considering the volatile behaviour of North Korea, it seemed Japan too was at risk. 

The Prime Minister sat down by his office, readying pen and paper as he prepared to draft a message towards his counterpart in Washington. He had to ensure that not only would his allies be safe from future attacks, but also the people of Japan too.

[quote][i]Dear President Bush

Allow me to once again share my deepest condolences to you and the United States. The people of Japan feel nothing but sorrow for the grave tragedy faced by your country. It is an adversity that shows the future that lays before us in the 21st Century - one full of uncertainty, and one where danger lurks around the corner. Japan itself has been subject to a terrorist attack only six years before, and now too has the United States befallen with its own calamity. It is with such potential tribulations facing both of our nations that that I am willing to strengthen the security of the United States military installations within Japan via the use of our Self Defence Forces, so as to deter any further attacks of such nature, and thus I seek the approval of the United States before giving any final order. 

Our nations are firm allies, and Japan resolutely stands by the United States as it copes from the impact of such a terrible tragedy. I wish the very best for you and your people.

With regards, Junichiro Koizumi[/i][/quote]