Japan announces end of air mission in Iraq

JAPAN: Japan announced Friday it would end its airlift operations in Iraq by the end of the year, citing security improvements and moves toward democracy in Iraq.

The largely formal order to end the nation’s four-year participation in Iraq came at a government national security council meeting, and had been expected for months. Prime Minister Taro Aso said the mission had achieved its goal.

“Iraq has demonstrated a steady effort to install a democratic government and the country’s security has improved while the Iraqi people are now making their own effort to rebuild their country” Aso said in a statement.

The non-combative mission has tested the limits of Japan’s pacifist constitution and divided the public. Aso said Japan will continue economic aid and technology support to Iraq.

He cited a similar moves by other countries ahead of the expiration at the end of the year of the UN Security Council resolution that sets the legal basis for US troops in Iraq.

Iraq is also reviewing multinational forces’ activities there.

TOKYO, Friday, AP