NPO opposes SDF dispatch to Iraq

The Japan International Volunteer Center (JVC), a non-profit organization, in a statement on December 8 expressed opposition to the dispatch of the Self-Defense Forces to Iraq. The government was to approve a basic plan for the SDF dispatch on the following day.

After gathering support from other non-governmental organizations, the statement entitled the "International NGOs' urgent appeal concerning the war on Iraq and its 'reconstruction'" will be submitted to Prime Minister Koizumi Jun'ichiro.

The appeal states, "The international NGOs providing humanitarian assistance in Iraq oppose the dispatch of the SDF to Iraq because the dispatch will increase the possibility that Japanese people will be targeted by anti-U.S. forces.

It also states that the task is for Japan to work to establish an international framework that will support the Iraqi people's self-governing ability and support them in building a legitimate government.

At a press conference, JVC Representative Director Kumaoka Michiya stated that although the government says the SDF will go to Iraq to provide humanitarian assistance, they will be part of the occupation forces in Iraq. "The dispatch of the SDF under such a structure will destroy Middle Eastern people's trust in Japan," he stressed. (end)