But the government does not plan to draw up legislation to prohibit people from traveling where they choose, he said.

When three Japanese civilians were taken hostage by Iraqi gunmen in April, politicians and media organizations criticized the trio for being reckless and venturing into a dangerous area after being warned not to. After their release April 15, many focused on the money and manpower expended to win the trio's release.

Two other hostages released April 17 by other gunmen in Iraq faced similar criticism.

"We can't force people to stop" traveling to whatever country they choose, Koizumi said. "But we'd like them to consider how much trouble (their actions) might cause a large number of people."

Asked about the case of the five former hostages, he said: "I don't think they can avoid being held responsible. But it's important for the government to do what it can" to come to the aid of Japanese nationals in trouble.

"Both are important."

The Japan Times Weekly: May 1, 2004
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