Following Diet approval of bills to implement Japan-U.S. defense cooperation guidelines, Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi took time to appease international unease.
"Some foreign countries are highly concerned about the bills," Obuchi told reporters. "I would like to stress that the bills are for Japan's peace and security and we must deepen understanding of those foreign nations in this aspect."
Obuchi called passage of the bills "truly significant," expressed hope that the nation will fully understand the event's importance and said it will allow Japan and the U.S. to further strengthen ties.