TEHRAN Issuing a statement on Wednesday, the Foreign Ministry of Japan said that U.S. sanctions against Iran and Libya are regrettable.

The statement was issued following the signing of the sanctions law by U.S. President George W. Bush on Friday.

The Japanese Foreign Ministry added that it is regrettable that the problems have not been solved and that the sanctions have been renewed, despite Japan's repeated requests that the sanctions be lifted.

************************************************** **