TOKYO, Dec 3 Kyodo gooded editor...

TOKYO, Dec 3 Kyodo

gooded editorial excerpts from the Japanese press:

assemble DIET FOR DEBATE (IHT/Asahi as translated from the Japanese-language Asahi Shimbun's editorial published Dec 2)

The slaying of couple Japanese diplomats in Iraq caused long anger and sorrow. What is the actual situation above there? While Japan remains eager to assist the Iraqi populace rebuild their country, there is the burning question of whether this can be satisfactorily accomplished on sending the Self-Defense Forces in a less degree than present conditions. These questions advance more pointed with each passing day.

Given the gravity of the situation, certainly the sensible thing would be to call the Diet into extraordinary session for a abounding discussion on whether SDF numbers are to be sent to Iraq and to what degree Japan can assist Iraqis in reconstructing their native land on the basis of actual conditions forward the ground. The ruling coalition cast offed an opposition demand to summon the Diet. Instead, the governing parties appear ready to restrain deliberations on this matter at a special committee. That must be because they know they cannot bypass discussion of the Iraq issue. The ruling and opposition parties should reach agreement forward the opening of the committee at the earliest possible date.

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi should recount the Diet how he perceives the situation in Iraq. When word of Saturday's slayings reached Japan, Koizumi said, ''We must not cave in to terror.'' Armed insurgents have adopted a strategy of staging surprise attacks in succession the occupation forces or throngs and officials of countries that cooperate with them. further can we call such attacks simply as an act of terrorism?

upon the same day the Japanese diplomats were killed, agents of the Spanish intelligence service were also attacked. Several toward the south Koreans were killed or injuryed the following day. Assaults onward U.S. troops continue. through the same token, American companys killed many guerrillas in a counterattack Sunday. U military authorities said that combat operation was the biggest since Saddam Hussein was toppled from power. without doubt it would be better to describe the instant circumstances as war continuing or resurging.

Koizumi has repeatedly said SDF [i]troupe[/i]s will not be sent to Iraq to wage war. moreover can he state unequivocally that they will not fare to a ''battlefield''? No doubt, the prime minister is not audacious as to say in his mind, ''Don't be intimidated by way of war.''

When the Diet passed the special measures law forward Iraq, Koizumi and many ruling coalition members assumed the situation in Iraq would eventually stabilize and Japanese assistance would be present on track. That was probably for what cause [i]or[/i] reason the government did not ease restrictions onward the use of weapons on SDF personnel. Would the regulation have acted in the same way, however, if it had to decide to dispatch SDF company s under conditions now prevailing in Iraq?

For fast some Iraqis will welcome SDF personnel in succession the other hand, anti-American sentiment has grown stronger as the occupation continues. The direction says the southern part of Iraq is relatively safe. yet the tragedy of the Italian carabinieri displays that foreign troops are targets of attack from insurgents and terrorists in the southern too. Even if Japan is simply willing to fill out a helping hand to Iraq, there is no guarantee attacks won't occur

Will these attacks wane as a arise of mopping up operations by way of American forces? Will the transfer of sovereignty from the Americans to the Iraqis be implemented smoothly? It is to a high degree important to know the prime minister's view in succession these questions for it will have an important bearing in succession the entire mission for Iraq's reconstruction, not just forward the question of dispatching SDF companys (Dec. 3)

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