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Iraq assistance -------- Japan have to explain its role in it more clearly

In Iraq, US and UK army have still receiving terror attacks. Although its peace and order have to be restored urgently, Japanese government announced its free fund cooperation for Iraq restoration which is 15 billion dollar in 2004. It is going to provide with totall 50 billion dollar by 2007 including fund assistance which have to be paid. As for dispatching Japan Self Defence Force based on its Antiterrorism Special Measures Law, Tokyo is working in order to dispatch 150 people of advance troop in 2003,and 600 people in early 2004. Mr.Koizumi told its Iraq supporting plan to President Bush who did Japan-US summit on Oct. 17th. Mr.Bush expressed its gratitude to Japan

Although it certainly is important for Japan to maintain a friendly relationship with US which is an ally, the government has to explain to Japanese people first enough. In a news conference, its secretary general emphasized on the importance of its Iraq plan, saying that the stability of middle east is directly linked to the Japan's national interest, he has to give more detailed explains because the public opinion in Japan is spliting about Japan's relation with the Iraq restoration plan.

It is a problem whether Japan's supporting plan can be highly evaluated internationally and by Iraq people. 50 billion dollar is less than half of the sum which Japan paid in the 1st gulf war. But its meaning cannnot be evaluated only by its sum.

In the International Conference on Reconstruction Assistance to Iraq early this month, the necessary fund for the reconstruction for health,education,transport,communication and housing was calcurated totally 550 billion dollar. Japan's 15 billion dollar fund in 2004 is three times as much as one by UK. It stands out except for US.

This means that Japan is going to take much responsibility for Iraq Aide. The international conferrence to discuss the fund is going to be held in Madlide in 23rd this month. Does Japan have any philosophy to play the leading role in the conference.

In the UN security council, the US plan for new Iraq resolution has been being revised. It is going in the direction that UN should take the leadership in the Iraq restoration assistance. Japan's Iraq Aide has to promote the direction.

In August, UN office was blusted in Iraq. There is a image that everywhere is danger in Iraq. But Japan's self defence force is assumed to be dispatched to the southern part of Iraq. The part which it is dispatched to is Non-combating district or not? Its support for water supplying or other things is really useful for Iraq restoration or not? Japanese government should give people more detailed explain about the on-the-spot situation and Japan's role in order to get rid of people's anxiety.

Japan's Upper House was dissolved and all parties are running for the general election. As for dispatching self defence force to Iraq, in the national opinion poll in the early September, the opposite opinion is about 40%, which is twice as many as supportive opinion or more. Before the general election, more active discussion should be necessary between ruling party and opposite parties.

Upper House was dissolved and the Diet is being closed. But if the ruling party and opposite parties make agreement, Upper House can do deliberation in the Lower House. "Everything is after the general election" is like that lawmakers are giving up their political responsibility.