JCP Shii says SDF participation in multinational force in Iraq raises three major questions

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo used his news conference on June 26 in Yokohama to point out that the government decision to have the Self-Defense Forces participate in the multinational force in Iraq raises three important questions.

One is that SDF participation in the multinational force will pave the way for more violations of the Constitution. "The government has not explained why it reneged on its past statement that the Constitution prohibits the SDF from taking part in the multinational force," Shii stressed.

The second point Shii made is that Japan will be placed in a completely different position by incorporating the SDF in the multinational force in that Japan would also be held responsible for the U.S. forces' atrocious acts in Iraq like those committed in Fallujah.

The third question Shii pointed out is that SDF participation in the multinational force will have an adverse effect on the Iraqi people's efforts to rebuild their country. He added, "A survey by the occupation forces shows that 90 percent of the Iraqi people do not trust the occupation forces, and that 70 percent want the interim government to demand their withdrawal."

"In the Upper House election, the JCP will demand that the government immediately withdraw the SDF from Iraq instead of ordering them to participate in the multinational force," Shii stressed. (end)