The objectives of the symposium will be to consider and learn important lessons for better peace-building efforts in the future by reviewing and evaluating recent experiences in East Timor and Afghanistan. Speakers and panelists will include His Excellency Mr. Xanana Gusmao (President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste), Ms. Sadako Ogata (President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency) and Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi (Former Special Representative for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan).

For many years, Japan has placed emphasis on the importance of conflict prevention and peace building through the United Nations and others. Japan has played a particularly important role in the rehabilitation process of Afghanistan and East Timor. However, these two countries still face a long road to rehabilitation, and continuing support for them is vital. This symposium will provide an important opportunity to deepen our understanding of peace building and sustain international support.

The Tuesday session of the symposium (1:00 to 5:50 p.m.) will focus on the situation in Afghanistan while the Wednesday session (1:00 to 4:50 p.m.) will focus on East Timor (Timor-Leste). Simultaneous English-Japanese interpretation will be provided.

The symposium is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required. For further details, please contact Mr. Tomita or Ms. Shiraike of JIIA (fax 03-3503-7186) by 20 February.

For security purposes, attendees should carry a photo ID. Media representatives are cordially invited to attend.