Special Report: Execution of Saddam Hussein

    TOKYO, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- Japan said Saturday it hoped that the Iraqi government can overcome problems in public security and other issues and become a stable country after the execution of its former president Saddam Hussein earlier in the day.

    "Japan hopes the Iraqi government will overcome such tough issues as national reconciliation and improvement in public order to become a stable state," Foreign Minister Taro Aso said in a statement.

    Japan will continue to offer its assistance to the country in coordination with the international community, he said.

    Aso also said in the statement that the Japanese Embassy in Iraq has confirmed from the Iraqi government that the former president was executed Saturday.

    According to Kyodo News, Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also reaffirmed Japan's support to the country following the reports of the execution.

    "Japan hopes Iraq will turn into a stable country and will continue supporting the country together with the international community," Abe was quoted as saying.