Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi said Friday that Japan will convey its displeasure to the United States over the abuse of Iraqi prisoners by U.S. troops.
"I have instructed (ministry officials) to convey to the United States Japan's displeasure because the acts were inhumane and regrettable," Kawaguchi told reporters.
Following the publication of graphic photos of Iraqi prisoners being abused and humiliated at Baghdad's Abu Ghraib prison, U.S. President George W. Bush pledged Wednesday to punish those involved.
The U.S. Defense Department said at least 25 prisoners had died in Iraq and Afghanistan after being detained and interrogated by the U.S. military, adding that three of these were Iraqis killed by U.S. soldiers and people related to the Central Intelligence Agency.
Kawaguchi said she wants the United States to unearth the facts about the abuse and take measures to prevent a recurrence.