Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on Friday stressed the need for the simmering Iraq situation to be resolved through enhanced U.N.-led diplomatic efforts.
"It is important for the international community to continue to work together, and to engage more strenuously in diplomatic efforts through the United Nations," Koizumi said in a speech at the U.N. General Assembly.
The U.N. Security Council should adopt new resolutions to turn up the heat on Iraq and press it to accept the return of U.N. weapons inspectors, Koizumi said.
"Iraq must allow immediate and unconditional inspections and dispose of all weapons of mass destruction," he said.