U.S. Requesting More From Japan SDF in Iraq - Kyodo

[Nambe]

TOKYO -(Dow Jones)

The United States has called on Japanese Self-Defense Forces (SDF) personnel to be more involved in military activities in Iraq than Japan had anticipated, sources familiar with bilateral ties told Kyodo News on Tuesday.

The U.S. asked during a series of meetings last week between officials from both governments that Japanese personnel fly CH-47 transport helicopters in Iraq, on the assumption they could carry weapons and soldiers for U.S.-led coalition forces, Kyodo News reported.

The Japanese delegation stopped short of immediately accepting the request during the meetings in the U.S. due to security concerns, the sources said, according to the report.

Japan mainly envisions SDF officers providing humanitarian and reconstruction assistance to Iraqi people and helping foreign forces keep order in the country.

But the U.S. request indicated it has greater expectations of missions involving SDF personnel in Iraq than Japan, they said. ---


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[Nottingham]

1. Well they are sure pushing Japan to get more active!

While they have Korea watching them and within missile reach!

:bounce:

[DisgustipatedinCA]

2. Please, Japan, please

tell this jerkoff to take a hike.

WonderBoy started the war without any outside help (to speak of), and he can clean it up, too.

Yes, I know, the soldiers are the ones who have to suffer for Bush, but if I were a foreign power, I'd NEVER help extricate the fratboy from the mess he's gotten himself into.