All Japan Seamen's Union warns against war on Iraq

The All Japan Seamen's Union (JSU) on January 8 issued a statement against a war on Iraq. It said that war will change the waters in the Middle East into a battlefield and prevent seamen from working safely.

The JSU stressed that Middle Eastern waters, especially the Persian Gulf, are important sea lanes for many private oil tankers and liquefied natural gas carriers, which are essential for the Japanese economy and citizens' daily life.

It also stated that once war starts, Japanese ships in any waters could be exposed to attacks due to Japan's support of U.S. war policy. (end)