iraq

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Anpo-Haki urges government to withdraw SDF from Iraq

Representatives of the Central Action Committee against the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty (Anpo-Haki) on December 1 visited the Defense Agency with about 30,000 signatures calling for the withdrawal of the Self-Defense Forces from Iraq.

Anpo-Haki Secretary General Hayasaka Yoshiro stressed that the international community should help the Iraqi people reconstruct their country by ending the military occupation and restoring sovereignty to Iraq. He demanded that the government end the SDF deployment in Iraq instead of extending the term after it expires on December 14.

Hayasaka pointed out that the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan is aimed at globalizing the role of the Japan-U.S. military alliance and incorporating the SDF into U.S. military operations abroad. He urged DA officials to listen to local municipalities hosting U.S. bases and expressing their opposition.

Members of the National Federation of Traders and Producers Organizations (Zenshoren), the All Japan Teachers and Staff Union (Zenkyo), the Japan Peace Committee, the New Japan Women's Association (Shinfujin), and the National Federation of Farmers Movement (Nominren) took part in the action.
- Akahata, December 2, 2005