Japan regrets split on Iraq, but own policy undecided

Kyodo News on the web ^ | Feb. 12, Kyodo | Kyodo Staff

[BenLurkin]

Japan reiterated its call on the international community Wednesday for unity in dealing with Iraq, expressing regret at the differences among leading countries, but failed to say whether it would support the United States if it decided to attack Baghdad.

''Now is the time for the international community to adopt a consistent approach in dealing with Iraq,'' Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda said, adding the divisions give Iraqi President Saddam Hussein the ''wrong message.''

Fukuda, the top government spokesman, was referring to divisions among influential members of the U.N. Security Council and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) over strategies related to a possible U.S.-led attack on Iraq.

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said Japan would announce how it thinks the Iraqi crisis should be handled after U.N. chief weapons inspector Hans Blix submits a fresh report to the Security Council on Friday.

Koizumi refused to show the government's position on the issue, telling a parliamentary session he cannot say yet -- ''right or left, or yes or no.''

''Japan will decide (and show) its clear position after waiting for the report on the 14th and developments in (ensuing) discussions in the international community,'' Koizumi told the debate session.

[BenLurkin]

Any idea why the indecision? Japan has a large stake in the Middle East and is at risk from North Korea. Now would be a good time to cement an alliance with the U.S.?

[CasearianDaoist]

China got to them.

[AmericanInTokyo]

Things take time.

[NP-INCOMPLETE]

Bingo, something is going on in East Asian diplomatic circles.

[Lion's Cub]

Do you think there is any chance they'll change their position and side with the Euro traitors?

[AmericanInTokyo]

Not if they want to continue to be under our umbrella with the ongoing North Korea crisis.

[AmericanInTokyo]

It might be called "them trying to get around various limitations incumbent in the postwar Peace Constitution we forced down their throat."

[Lion's Cub]

Not if they want to continue to be under our umbrella with the ongoing North Korea crisis.

That reminds me: Bush was talking about getting our missle shield up and running by giving it to all these other countries. I think we ought to withdraw that offer from all those who are now opposing us! There is no sense in giving our technology to our enemies.