Date : 06/04/2004
KUN0068 4 GEN 0289 KUWAIT /KUNA-ERS7
MIL-JAPAN-IRAQ
Japanese troops in Samawah to susped activities outside camp
TOKYO, April 6 (KUNA) -- Japan decided on Tuesday to suspend the activities
of the ground troops outside their camp in the southern Iraqi city of Samawah
because of growing security concerns following fatal clashes between Iraqis
and coalition forces in the country.
"We made the decision after considering that a Shiite religious event will
be held around Saturday," Iwao Kitahara, head of the secretariat of the
defense agency's director general, said at a news conference. "Ground
Self-Defense Force (GSDF) members will suspend operations outside their camp
until the festivities are over," he added.
It is the first time since the Japanese ground troops arrival in Samawah in
January that the agency has decided to halt the troops' activities for
security reasons.
"There is no change in our policy of doing our utmost to ensure the safety
of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF)," Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi told
reporters.
Earlier in the day, Koizumi and other leaders expressed concern over the
recent clashes in Iraq between US-led coalition forces and Shiites, which
could affect Japan's reconstruction effort there.
Meanwhile, Defense Agency Chief Shigeru Ishiba also said in a press
conference that it is necessary to review the SDF reconstruction project in
Samawah in light of the gap between what they can provide and what local Iraqi
people expect.
Japan has deployed about 550 troops to Samawah for providing clean water,
medical assistance and help in repairing public facilities. But some local
residents have expressed disappointment that the GSDF has not helped to
improve the employment situation. (end)
mk.rk
KUNA 061651 Apr 04NNNN