201 local assemblies adopt resolutions against SDF dispatch to Iraq

Over 200 local assemblies, including the Iwate and Yamaguchi prefectural assemblies, have adopted opinions or resolutions calling on the government to cancel or reconsider its plan to dispatch the Self-Defense Forces to Iraq, according to a survey by the Central Action Committee for Abrogation of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty.

Out of about 3,000 local assemblies in Japan, 86 city assemblies and 87 town assemblies took such actions. In Hokkaido, where the Ground SDF are preparing to go to Iraq, 26 assemblies of cities, towns, and villages have adopted such opinions.

Following are excerpts from some of the resolutions:

"If the SDF are sent to Iraq under the law, it will pave the way for Japan's use of force overseas, and its direct involvement in the use of force" (Asahikawa City).

"Both SDF personnel and Iraqi citizens may face the risk of losing their lives in exchanges of attacks" (Wakkanai City).

"The death of Japanese diplomats in Iraq is testimony that there are no 'safe zones' in Iraq and no explanation has been made regarding why the SDF must go to Iraq" (Iwate Prefecture).

"Supporting Iraq's rehabilitation should be led by the U.N." (Nagato Town, Nagano).

"Peaceful assistance is needed under the peace principles of Japan's Constitution and the United Nations Charter," (Kikuma Town, Ehime)

The Liberal Democratic and Komei parties used their force of majority to get the prefectural assemblies of Hokkaido, Kyoto, and Nagano to adopt opinions in support of the SDF dispatch to Iraq. In Nagano, the LDP refused to explain its draft and only the Komei Party spoke in its favor. (end)