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| Iraq |
| Japan set to order troops for Iraq |
| 2004-01-26 |
| EFL Japan is set to order the dispatch of its main army contingent to help rebuild Iraq after the junior party in the ruling coalition approved the mission. "The security situation is relatively stable and personnel were welcomed by the local people, tribal chiefs and the governor," Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi told parliament on Monday. Koizumi, leader of the dominant Liberal Democratic Party, later met Takenori Kanzaki, head of its partner the New Komeito party, who gave his approval to the mission. Defence Minister Shigeru Ishiba was expected to issue the orders for the new dispatch later on Monday, media said. Following Ishiba’s order, some 80 ground troops could depart as early as February 3. Three C-130 cargo planes with around 50 air force personnel left earlier on Monday, following around 100 air force personnel who left last Thursday. They are expected to start hauling food and medicine to Iraq from Kuwait next month. An advance team reported last Friday that security is stable in the southern Iraq town of Samawa, where the Japanese troops will be based. Thank you, Japan! |
| Posted by:Steve White |