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Britain, Australia to Pull Troops, Report Says

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From Associated Press

Britain and Australia have informed Japan of plans to withdraw their troops from southern Iraq in May, a move that could affect Tokyo’s decision on whether to extend its troop deployment there, a Japanese news report said Saturday.

Japan has about 550 troops in the southern Iraqi city of Samawah, but their mission is restricted to noncombat humanitarian and reconstruction work, and their activities largely depend on security provided by British and Australian forces.

The withdrawal of British and Australian soldiers would make it impossible for the Japanese troops to stay, Kyodo News service quoted unidentified Japanese government sources as saying. The sources said Tokyo would have to consider withdrawing its troops from Samawah, the news agency reported.

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The Japanese Constitution bans the use of force in settling international disputes. Japanese officials were not available for comment Saturday.

A spokesman for the British Defense Ministry, speaking on condition of anonymity in accordance with official practice, denied the report, saying the nation had given no timeframe for its troop withdrawal.

About 1,400 Australian troops are deployed in and around Iraq, and Britain has about 8,500 troops there. This year, Australia sent an additional 450 troops to protect Japanese military engineers.

The Japanese news agency said Britain and Australia had informed Tokyo of their withdrawal plans in August through diplomatic channels, specifying a May timetable.

Japan’s mandate expires Dec. 14; no decision has been announced on its extension.

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