Japanese Foreign Ministry officials, who are now in the Iraqi capital to prepare for the reopening, were quoted by Kyodo as saying that the embassy building is usable although some equipment has been stolen.

The embassy was shut down before the start of the US-led military operation on Iraq on March 20, Kyodo said.

Meanwhile, Japan's Senior Vice Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi renewed willingness to visit Baghdad as early as possible.

He said he hopes to meet with officials of international organizations and nongovernmental organizations to assess the needs for Japan's assistance.

(Xinhua News Agency May 2, 2003)