On government decision regarding SDF participation in multinational force in Iraq

ShiiI Kazuo, Japanese Communist Party Executive Committee chair, on June 18 published a statement criticizing the government decision to continue to deploy the Self-Defense Forces in Iraq as part of the multinational force. The statement is as follows:

The government decided today to have the Self-Defense Forces participate in the multinational force in Iraq.

In the first place, this decision is very detrimental to an effort to improve the Iraqi situation. If the recent UNSC Resolution that makes clear that Iraq "will reassert its full sovereignty" is to be implemented, it is necessary for the United States, which is responsible for causing the war and chaos in Iraq, to end its military actions and withdraw from Iraq. An SDF participation in the multinational force will only help to backpedal the necessary process to peace.

Secondly, the SDF's participation in the multinational force is in flagrant violation of the Japanese Constitution. Even the government has explained that the SDF constitutionally cannot participate in a U.N. force or a multinational force if its duties or purposes include the use of military force. The government now says that SDF participation in the multinational force will not be in contravention of the Constitution because the SDF will remain under Japanese command. However, the UNSC resolution makes it clear that the multinational force will be under unified command.

Given the need to resolve the Iraq question in a constructive manner and in the light of constitutional principles, it is unjustifiable to impose a decision that involves such a serious problem based only on a promise made to the United States and without parliamentary discussion or explanation to the people. The JCP opposes the SDF's participation in the multinational force and strongly requests that the SDF be withdrawn from Iraq as quickly as possible. (end)