Region | Iraq

Japan may end Iraq military mission in 2009

Japan may end its support mission in Iraq next year, partly because of objections from the opposition, according to media reports on Monday.

  • Agencies
  • Published: 08:09 May 26, 2008
  • Gulf News

Tokyo: Japan may end its support mission in Iraq next year, partly because of objections from the opposition, according to media reports on Monday.

Japan has about 210 air force personnel in Kuwait, from where they airlift supplies to Baghdad and other parts of Iraq.

"Thinking about the state of parliament, it is extremely difficult to extend" a special law which enabled the country to send troops to Iraq, the Asahi newspaper quoted ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) heavyweight Taku Yamasaki as saying.

The special law allowing the Iraq mission, despite Japan's constitution, is set to expire in July 2009.

The Tokyo newspaper quoted an unnamed executive of the LDP's Buddhist-backed junior partner, New Komeito, as saying it was time to think about withdrawal.

  • Rate this article
  • Average reader rating (0 votes) 0 Stars
Tools

Emailing an article to friend is a simple way to share a news item. Your friend will receive an email with your name and email address as well any personal message you choose to send.

The information you provide on this page will not be used to send unsolicited emails.

This service is not intended to encourage spam, and action may be taken against individuals who maliciously enter personal details of another individual.

Share this article

More from Iraq

  1. Iraq to hold elections on January 21

  2. Iraq assembly sets up national vote

  3. Iraqi election head warns of vote delay

  4. Kirkuk at heart of poll law deadlock

All articles in Iraq

More from Region

Gulf News
Popular in News
News Editor's choice