Japan to pull troops from Iraq by Dec. 14
The government has begun preparing to withdraw the Self-Defense Forces from
Iraq and its vicinity in December when their noncombat mission expires,
government sources said Wednesday.
Japan plans to notify the Diet and countries concerned as early as September
after assessing the situation in Iraq. It will then switch mostly to official
development assistance to help the battered country, the sources said.
The move is being timed to coincide with the launch of a legitimate Iraqi
government and the end of the U.N.-sanctioned deployment of multinational
forces there at the end of the year, they said.
Among countries participating in the multinational effort, Italy has indicated
it plans a gradual pullout, while Poland has said it will withdraw completely
in early 2006.
Japan will likely have to announce its plans by September if it decides to
withdraw by the end of the year, because preparation and implementation is
estimated to take about three months, the sources said.
In December, Japan extended the SDF's deployment to Iraq and surrounding
countries based on a special law allowing it to assist with reconstruction
until Dec. 14 this year.
Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said late last year that his government
decided to extend the mission in light of its alliance with the United States
and its desire to cooperate with the international community.
Up to 600 Ground Self-Defense Force troops have been stationed in Samawah in
southern Iraq since early last year to repair schools and roads and provide
clean water and medical aid.
About 200 Air Self-Defense Force troops stationed in Kuwait are transporting
goods and U.S. military personnel to and from Iraq.
In April, a transitional Iraqi government headed by Prime Minister Ibrahim
al-Jaafari was launched. Its main task will be to draw up a Constitution, which
will help pave the way for the election of a formal government by Dec. 15.
The Japan Times: May 5, 2005
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