Japan Asks Advice Of Turkey On Dispatch Of Soldiers To Iraq

ANKARA - Japan asked advice of Turkey on dispatch of soldiers to Iraq. Pakistan also had asked for Turkey's advice.
Japan approved draft law envisaging dispatch of soldiers to this country aiming to help reconstruction of Iraq.
Japan applied to Turkey through its embassy and asked for Turkey's views in this respect.
Ankara conveyed the message to Tokyo that, ''it will be beneficial for Japan to come to Iraq under Turkey's command in case Turkey takes a decision.''
A 10-people Japanese delegation of parliamentarians is expected to visit Ankara on September 9 to discuss dispatch of soldiers to Iraq.
Under the draft law, Japan is expected to send a ground force to Iraq aiming to be assigned in reconstruction of Iraq. Japanese soldiers will not join clashes in Iraq.
Around 1000 Japanese soldiers are planned to be in the region in October to be assigned in only transportation and logistic services.
(AY-AÖ) 04.09.2003