Japan orders GSDF main force dispatch to Iraq

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, January 27, 2004

Japan orders GSDF main force dispatch to Iraq

Japanese Defense Agency Director General Shigeru Ishiba signed Monday evening an order to send main ground force unit to Iraq.

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Japanese Defense Agency Director General Shigeru Ishiba signed Monday evening an order to send main ground force unit to Iraq.

The order was issued after the ruling coalition -- the Liberal Democratic Party and the New Komeito party -- reviewed and approved a positive safety report delivered by an advance unit.

Japan plans to send about 550 Ground Self-Defense Forces (GSDF)personnel to Iraq's southern city of Samawah. The advance team of about 30 members left for Iraq on Jan. 16 and is stationed in thatcity to make situation assessment and preparations. The main GSDF team is expected to depart in early February at the latest.

Japan passed a special law in July, authorizing dispatch of troops to Iraq for humanitarian mission which includes providing medical services and refurbishing public facilities. The mission will be active until the end of this year.

According to the operation plan, Japan will eventually send some 1,000 air, ground and maritime forces to Iraq and surrounding countries. The GSDF would be accompanied with armored vehicles and recoilless guns, which are the heaviest equipment it ever carried in overseas operations.

Most of the Air Self-Defense Force troops have been deployed in Kuwait.

The dispatch evokes hot debate in Japan as it either is not in line with the nation's pacifist constitution or may invite troops casualties.

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