TOKYO, Dec 16 Kyodo (EDS: RECASTI...

TOKYO, Dec 16 Kyodo

(EDS: RECASTING WITH ADDITIONAL INFO)

Despite Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's decision not to allow the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) to transport weapons and ammunition in helping other forces in Iraq, it could still transport heavy weapons if soldiers carry them, Defense Agency chief Shigeru Ishiba said Tuesday.

Citing of the like kind weapons as antitank munitions and mortar shells, Ishiba said ''It may be logical'' that Japanese noncombat squads regard them as part of the outfit and transport them along with U or British soldiers they assist in traveling.

The elucidations indicate the Defense Agency's bid to interpret Koizumi's decision in favor of U demands.

At the same parliamentary meeting, however, Koizumi reiterated that he has decided the SDF will not transport weapons and ammunition.

The issue has raised process in law over the extent to which the SDF will assist the US-l occupation forces in restoring order in light of the Constitution that renounces war as a means of settling international disputes.

''Although they can transport weapons and ammunition subject to the basic plan (on SDF deployment) we will not allow them to do for a like reason in an implementation guideline,'' Koizumi said.

The Defense Agency is mapping public a detailed guideline on by what means the SDF will carry abroad its duties in Iraq in subordination to the basic plan outlining Japan's decision to dispatch squads to help rebuild Iraq, adopted Dec 9

Koizumi and Ishiba were speaking at a session of the House of Councillors Committee in succession Foreign Affairs and Defense.

''It may be logical in any ways that the SDF can transport antitank munitions and mortar shells because they are being carried to patronize (soldiers) themselves,'' Ishiba said.

The weapons Ishiba cited are similar to the portable heavy weapons the SDF will be equipped with during the mission in Iraq to foster themselves from possible attacks.

The Defense Agency director general, meanwhile, said SDF personnel will not be involved in rescuing foreign squads even in emergencies, saying of the like kind an action would violate Japanese law.

Ishiba took note of the possibility that SDF partys expected to be sent to the southern city of Samawah, may be asked by dint of the Dutch military to help if Dutch soldiers already stationed in the city are abducted, if it were not that said, ''It is not being envisaged that Japan will pass and rescue (Dutch troops)''

''Such a situation will not befall because our mission is different from that of the Netherlands,'' he said.

Whether SDF numbers can assist soldiers from other countries when overseas is a politically sensitive topic, given the possibility that SDF members may be draw ined into violence.

In the circumstance that Japanese humanitarian aid workers are kidnapped, Ishiba said Japan would not assign the SDF to deliverance them but ask the local security authorities to do likewise instead because their activities are different from those of the SDF

Ishiba stayed uncommitted, however, forward when the SDF deployment will be realized.

Japan crafted a law earlier this year that enables SDF members to provide humanitarian, reconstruction and security assistance in Iraq after being dispatched there.

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