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Kan tells Koizumi to resign over Iraq

Democratic Party of Japan leader Naoto Kan urged Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on Jan. 21 to step down, claiming he has violated the Constitution by dispatching the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) to Iraq.

Kan said the dispatch violates the Constitution by putting the SDF at risk of getting involved in a conflict. The Constitution prohibits Japan from using force in international disputes.

Advance teams from the Air Self-Defense Force and Ground Self-Defense Force have already been sent to Iraq, and the main units are expected to follow.

"What if the SDF units are attacked and strike back?" Kan asked during debate in the House of Representatives. "Wouldn't it be considered a use of force?"

Koizumi responded by saying that while the local security situation is unpredictable, it still satisfies the conditions stipulated by the special law that allows the SDF to be dispatched to Iraq. The law states that the SDF can engage in humanitarian activities in "noncombat zones."

He has also said that should fighting erupt, the government would order the SDF to move to another area to conduct their activities. He said the troops can defend themselves if attacked, and this cannot be considered use of force. (The Japan Times)

Shukan ST: Jan. 30, 2004

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World News Kan tells Koizumi to resign over Iraq Democratic Party of Japan leader Naoto Kan urged Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on Jan. 21 to step down, claiming he has violated the Constitution by dispatching the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) to Iraq. Kan said the dispatch violates the Constitution by putting the SDF at risk of getting involved in a conflict. The Constitution prohibits Japan from using force in international disputes. Advance teams from the Air Self-Defense Force and Ground Self-Defense Force have already been sent to Iraq, and the main units are expected to follow. "What if the SDF units are attacked and strike back?" Kan asked during debate in the House of Representatives. "Wouldn't it be considered a use of force?" Koizumi responded by saying that while the local security situation is unpredictable, it still satisfies the conditions stipulated by the special law that allows the SDF to be dispatched to Iraq. The law states that the SDF can engage in humanitarian activities in "noncombat zones." He has also said that should fighting erupt, the government would order the SDF to move to another area to conduct their activities. He said the troops can defend themselves if attacked, and this cannot be considered use of force. (The Japan Times) Shukan ST: Jan. 30, 2004 (C) All rights reserved