.contact us |.about us
News > International News ... ...
Search:
    Advertisement
Japan calls Iraq 'stable' for own troops
( 2003-11-28 16:16) (Agencies)

Japan's defense chief said Friday a fact-finding team indicated conditions are "rather stable" in southern Iraq, where the Japanese government is preparing to send ground troops to help with reconstruction.

Defense Agency chief Shigeru Ishiba spoke after receiving a preliminary report from members of the latest in a series of teams dispatched to Iraq to determine where and when it might be safe for Japan to contribute military personnel for non-combat duties.

Japan's Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi was a firm supporter of the U.S. invasion of Iraq and has emphasized Japan has a responsibility to help rebuild the country. But he has hesitated to put troops on the group as near-daily attacks on coalition forces have shaken public support for the mission.

His defense chief's comments suggested the government may be satisfied with security conditions in a sector near the southern city of Samawah that Japan has been considering for a deployment that will reportedly involve more than 1,000 soldiers from the nation's Ground Self-Defense Force.

"My impression was that the security conditions in southern Iraq are rather stable compared to other regions," Ishiba said.

The contents of the report have not been made public. But Japanese national media reported that Koizumi's Cabinet may give its approval as early as next week for an operation in which ground troops would arrive in Iraq early next year.

Military transport aircraft may be dispatched even sooner for a safer mission involving making supply runs into Iraq from a neighboring country such as Kuwait.

Ishiba said that was "one option" under consideration.

Parliament approved the deployment of ground troops in July, but only on condition that they serve in "non-combat areas," which Koizumi's opponents argue don't exist in Iraq.

 
Close  
   
  Today's Top News   Top International News
   
+WHO: Bird flu death rises to 15; vaccination recommended
(2004-02-05)
+Solana: EU ready to lift China arms embargo
(2004-02-05)
+Nation tops TV, cell phone, monitor production
(2004-02-05)
+Absence ... still makes China hot
(2004-02-05)
+Hu: Developing world in key role
(2004-02-04)
+WHO: Bird flu death rises to 15; vaccination recommended
(2004-02-05)
+Solana: EU ready to lift China arms embargo
(2004-02-05)
+US court clears way for gay marriages
(2004-02-05)
+Pakistan nuke scientist asks forgiveness
(2004-02-05)
+Sharon ready for referendum on scrapping settlements
(2004-02-05)
   
  Go to Another Section  
     
 
 
     
  Article Tools  
     
 
 
     
  Related Articles  
     
 

+US didn't want to be called occupying forces
2003-11-28

+Bush's Iraq coup unlikely to boost US polls
2003-11-28

+Bush surprises US troops with Iraq trip
2003-11-28

+Top Shiite cleric demands immediate polls in major blow to US Iraq plans
2003-11-28

   
        .contact us |.about us
  Copyright By chinadaily.com.cn. All rights reserved