Tokyo, Oct 04: Japan may pledge about US$5 billion over four years to help rebuild postwar Iraq, including nearly US$1 billion in grants in 2004, a major newspaper reported today. Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has said Japan should aid efforts to rebuild Iraq's shattered economy and government in the wake of the U.S.-led war. Washington has asked Tokyo to share the burden, and Koizumi is keen on reaching a decision before U.S. President George W. Bush's scheduled visit here in mid-October.
The United States estimates reconstruction will cost between US$50 and US$75 billion through 2007.
The national Asahi newspaper said Tokyo may pay for about 10 per cent of the lower estimates for the costs. The report didn't cite sources.
Washington is considering its own contribution of US$20.3 billion for the next 12 to 15 months.
International donors will discuss how to divvy up the bill when they meet in Madrid for a two-day conference beginning Oct. 23. So far about 60 countries have pledged US$1.5 billion.
In recent weeks, Japanese media have reported that Tokyo could shoulder as much as 20 per cent of the reconstruction costs, helping build roads, schools, utilities and the two interim administrative bodies: the U.S.-led Coalition Provisional Authority and U.S.-appointed Iraqi governing council.
Tokyo would offer unconditional grants in the first year, the Asahi said.
Bureau Report