U.S. Responds to Japan's Election

The State Department released a statement following the political earthquake in Japan:

We congratulate Japan on this historic election and join the people of Japan in reaffirming the strong democratic tradition that we share. The United States looks forward to early and close consultations with the new government on a wide range of global challenges and opportunities. The U.S.-Japan partnership is key to pursuing peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and in promoting shared values around the world. We will work closely with the new Japanese government in moving toward denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, addressing the threat of climate change and increasing the availability of renewable energy, bringing stability to Afghanistan and Pakistan, and addressing international humanitarian and health issues. These are but a few of the issues confronting this generation of Japanese and American leaders.

As Secretary Clinton has said, the U.S.-Japan alliance is strong and remains a cornerstone of peace and security in East Asia. We welcome the opportunity to work with the new government in Tokyo to build upon our past successes and further cement this indispensable alliance.

(DPJ leader Yukio Hatoyama. AP Photos)