Japan to join multinational force: Koizumi

SAVANNAH, Ga. (Kyodo) Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi made it clear Thursday that he plans to make Self-Defense Forces troops in Iraq a part of the multinational force to be formed there under a newly adopted U.N. Security Council resolution.
"I think that a multinational force will be formed, and I want to consider what Japan can do as part of it, such as the continuation of humanitarian and reconstruction assistance," Koizumi told a news conference after a three-day Group of Eight summit.

"In response to the unanimous adoption of a new U.N. resolution, Japan, as a responsible member of the international community, wants to make contributions that are commensurate with its status."

Click to expand...

BlogD said:

The article does not say whether the forces will continue to be primarily on reconstruction duty or if they will take on a more military role.

If you ask me, it is just the next step toward creating a de facto legitimacy for sending armed troops overseas and digging a grave for Article 9 of the Constitution.

Click to expand...