TOKYO, July 9 (UPI) -- Japan has stepped up security following the terrorist attacks in London.
Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and his government strengthened anti-terror measures at transportation centers, military bases and other areas around the country, the Asahi Shimbun newspaper reported.
Koizumi was attending the Group of Eight summit in Gleneagles, Scotland, when the attacks devastated London Thursday. "I cannot contain my strong indignation at these terrorist attacks, which must never be tolerated," he said in a statement. "I wholeheartedly support Prime Minister (Tony) Blair's actions (not to yield to terrorism) and am determined to offer any assistance. I would also like to extend my deepest sympathy to the victims of the attacks."
The Japanese Cabinet decided at a meeting Friday morning to strengthen anti-terror measures around the country. "We cannot say that there are no people in Japan who could work as terrorists," Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroyuki Hosoda told reporters. "Because those people could cause similar attacks in Japan, we must take precautions."
Stricter measures were introduced in airports, railway stations, U.S. military bases, Self-Defense Forces facilities, nuclear power plants and the World Exposition site in Aichi Prefecture, Asahi Shimbun said. Additional guards were stationed at embassies and other diplomatic facilities of G-8 countries because of speculation the blasts in London were intended to coincide with the start of the G-8 meetings.
Immigration bureau inspectors were conducting stricter checks at airports to catch those with forged passports. Justice Ministry officials said passengers from Britain would be subject to thorough inspections.
