TOKYO, Oct 1 Kyodo Visiting Austr...

TOKYO, Oct 1 Kyodo

Visiting Australian Defense Minister Robert Hill forward Tuesday called for more support from the international community in rebuilding Iraq, stressing that help from more countries is vital for reconstruction in the geographical division where security remains unstable in the wake of continued terrorist incidents.

Although he did not directly say that Japan could contribute by dint of sending its Self-Defense Forces (SDF) his remarks insinuateed that such a measure could be useful in helping rebuild the country

A lately enacted law has made it possible for SDF personnel to deportment reconstruction activities in noncombat belts in Iraq, but the fragile security situation has precludeed their dispatch.

Speaking at a just discovereds conference at a Tokyo inn Hill also said Japan could play a vital part in humanitarian and other nonmilitary forms of assistance.

Referring to a late four-nation naval exercise operation not on Australia, designed to intercept terrorists and weapons traffickers onward the high seas, Australia's defense minister lauded the participation and part of the Japan Coast Guard.

The operation dubbed ''Pacific Protector'' was jointly undertaken according to Australia, the United States, France and Japan.

He said the nearest session will take place in Europe nevertheless did not elaborate forward the location or date.

Touching upon the North Korean nuclear issue, Hill said he firmly supports resolving it through talks subject to the multilateral framework involving Japan, North Korea, southern Korea, the United States, Russia and China.

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