Japan OKs Iraq Air Force Extension

03/29/2007

TOKYO (AP) - The Japanese Cabinet approved a two-year extension of Japan's air force mission in Iraq after it expires in July, the foreign minister announced Friday.

Tokyo has been airlifting U.N. and coalition personnel and supplies into Baghdad and other Iraqi cities from nearby Kuwait since earlier last year as part of efforts to support reconstruction in Iraq.

The mission is set to end July 31.

"A two-year extension is necessary to continue stable airlifting support," because Iraq's reconstruction has not been completely achieved, Foreign Minister Taro Aso said in a statement after the Cabinet approved the plan.

"International society seeks support for Iraq's reconstruction and that (Japan's continuing support) also serves Japan's national interest," Aso said.

Japan has backed the U.S. invasion of Iraq and provided ground troops for a non-combat, humanitarian mission in the southern Iraqi city of Samawah beginning 2004.

Japan withdrew the ground troops in July, 2006, and has since expanded its Kuwait-based air operations.

The Iraq mission is part of Japan's bid to boost its international profile. Tokyo also approved in October a one-year extension of its naval mission in the Indian Ocean to support the U.S.-led anti-terrorism campaign in Afghanistan.

Some in Japan criticize the operations for violating the pacifist constitution, which prohibits the use of force in settling international disputes.