Japan hopes for speedy Karabakh solution, visiting minister tells Azeri radio

ANS Radio, Baku
14 Jan 05

The Tokyo government hopes that the Nagornyy Karabakh problem will be
settled soon, visiting Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister Ichiro Aisawa
has told ANS.

We hope that the conflict will be solved through talks. The Japanese
government might render humanitarian aid to the refugees, end of
quote.

The visit by the Japanese deputy foreign minister is aimed at
expanding ties between the two countries, especially developing
cooperation in the economic sphere.

Mr Aisawa spoke highly of the fact that the former Japanese ambassador
to Azerbaijan, Toshiyuki Fujiwara, was chosen Man of the Year.

This is very nice. Japan and Azerbaijan have done a lot to deepen
mutual respect and trust in a few years. At the same time, I am proud
of the fact that the honorary title was conferred on our ambassador
and his work was appreciated, end of quote.