Home>News Center>World
         
 

Iraqi FM asks for longer stay of Japanese troops
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-11-24 16:38

Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari on Thursday said Iraq wants the Japanese government to extend the humanitarian assistance mission in Iraq after the current operation expires next month.

Zebari told his Japanese counterpart Taro Aso during a working luncheon in Tokyo that Iraq needs the Self-Defense Forces troops to stay there since now is a crucial time for his country as it is undergoing a security transition, Kyodo News reported, citing a Japanese official.

The 600-strong Japanese ground troops are supposed to start withdrawing on December 14, one day before the elections for the national assembly in Iraq.

Aso said Japan will "decide soon" on the SDF deployment, taking into account its "role and responsibility in the international community and the situation of the reconstruction aid."

Zebari arrived in Japan on Wednesday on a four-day visit.

Before the luncheon, the foreign ministers signed a document which exempts Iraq from paying back 80 percent of the 7.6 billion US dollars debts it owes to Japan.



Ukraine marks 'orange revolution' anniversary
Merkel named first female chancellor in Germany
Bush pardons thanksgiving turkey
 
  Today's Top News     Top World News
 

80-kilometer pollution slick reaches Harbin city

 

   
 

Woman dies of bird flu, vaccine trials to start

 

   
 

Turkmenistan, China to sign gas supply deal

 

   
 

Beauty queen sparks ugly debate in Shenzhen

 

   
 

US leaders sound hopeful on Iraq troop cuts

 

   
 

Nestle recalls baby milk from 4 nations

 

   
  China envoy urges Japan PM to halt shrine visits
   
  Newsview: Public taking hard look at Iraq
   
  Saddam defense team expected to appear
   
  Turkmenistan, China to sign gas supply deal
   
  US leaders sound hopeful on Iraq troop cuts
   
  China closer to supporting US on Iran - diplomat
   
 
  Go to Another Section  
 
 
  Story Tools  
   
  Related Stories  
   
War protesters arrested near Bush's ranch
   
US leaders sound hopeful on Iraq troop cuts
  News Talk  
  Are the Republicans exploiting the memory of 9/11?  
Manufacturers, Exporters, Wholesalers - Global trade starts here.
Advertisement