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Japan Begins Withdrawal from Iraq
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=12C4541:3919ACA Japan's air force
will remain active in Iraq, transporting goods and personnel for the
US-led coalition





Two Japanese Self Defense Forces soldiers look at a convoy of
withdrawing Japanese vehicles entering Kuwait at Abdaly military
border post on Sunday, June 25, 2006Japanese transport trucks lugging
military vehicles and equipment have left Iraq, marking the start of
Japan's withdrawal from the war-torn country.

The military contingent was seen crossing into Kuwait Sunday after
leaving the base at Samawa in the southern Iraqi province of
Muthanna.  Iraqi forces are scheduled to take over security from
coalition forces in the province next month.

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said Tuesday that Japan's
600 non-combat troops had fulfilled their humanitarian assignment and
would leave Iraq.

Mr. Koizumi has supported the U.S. policy in Iraq, although a vast
majority of Japanese opposed the deployment of their troops.

Japan's air force will remain active in Iraq, transporting goods and
personnel for the U.S.-led coalition.

No Japanese troops have been hurt in Iraq, but insurgents have killed
six Japanese citizens, including two diplomats. Some information for
this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.


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