Japan to Lift Sanctions on Iran: Kishida

Tokyo, Jan. 17 (Jiji Press)--Japan will swiftly lift sanctions on Iran based on a U.N. Security Council resolution, Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida said Sunday. The Japanese government "welcomes" that Iran has complied with a deal with the United States and the European Union on its nuclear program, Kishida said in a statement released after Saturday's joint announcement by the EU and Iran that sanctions against the Middle Eastern nation will be lifted. Tokyo will "swiftly implement measures based on the provisions of the UN Security Council Resolution 2231," Kishida said. He also said: "Japan will further strengthen the historically friendly relationship with Iran. Japan will actively cooperate for the steady implementation of the final agreement (on the nuclear issue)." END