The first troops of a main Japanese army contingent left for Iraq on Tuesday. Tokyo plans to dispatch about 1,000 military personnel in all to help with Iraq's reconstruction.
Some 90 soldiers left Chitose on Japan's northern island of Hokkaido for southeastern Iraq, where they will build a camp on the outskirts of the city of Samawa.
"As Japan's representatives, we will do our best for the people of Iraq, for the stability of the region and for the sake of Japan," said Colonel Yasushi Kiyota, who heads the unit, duriing a farewell ceremony. (Albawaba.com)
© 2004 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
