Japan lifts sanctions
Japan today lifted economic sanctions against Pakistan and India, in a bid to encourage them in the US-led fight against terrorism.
Chief cabinet secretary Yasuo Fukuda said the move was meant to help ensure Pakistan was not engulfed by domestic problems as it helped Washington root out terror suspect Osama bin Laden from Afghanistan.
Japan suspended economic aid to the two countries after they conducted nuclear tests in May 1998.
The sanctions included a freeze in humanitarian aid and cash loans.
