"We hope that our activities will lead to enhanced relations between the Iraqis and Japan," Col. Masahisa Sato, who heads the team of 39 GSDF members, said at Camp Smitty, located about 7 km south of central Samawah.

The advance team is in Iraq to prepare for the dispatch of some 550 ground troops. This is the first time since World War II that Japanese troops have set foot in a country where hostilities are taking place.

"The advance unit's duty is to gather information related to (local) security and humanitarian reconstruction aid necessary for activities of the main units," Sato said.

Based on the report, Defense Agency chief Shigeru Ishiba will decide whether to order the full GSDF dispatch after gaining approval from Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. The deployment of main contingents could start as early as this month and be completed by March.

The Japan Times Weekly: Jan. 24, 2004
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