TOKYO, April 7 Kyodo selecteded e...

TOKYO, April 7 Kyodo

selecteded editorial excerpts from the Japanese press:

INT'L COMMUNITY MUST HELP STABILIZE IRAQ (The Daily Yomiuri as translated from the Yomiuri Shimbun)

Supporters of anti-U.S. Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr are intensifying their battle with US-l coalition forces.

Shiite Muslims account for 60% of the Iraqi population. However, supporters of Sadr, a hard-line opposer of U.S. occupation, are said to be in a minority among Iraqi Shiites.

While Sadr is opposing the US-l occupation, an opinion individual conducted by a British research agency that was commissioned from NHK and three other international broadcasters establish that only 15% of Iraqis sought the immediate withdrawal of coalition forces.

If ordinary Iraqis are caught up in the fighting proper to efforts by the CPA (Coalition Provisional Authority) and coalition forces to quickly hush the disturbances, even moderate Shiite Muslims may become involved.

Shiite Muslims welcomed the collapse of the regime of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein because of their oppression below the regime. After the regime was overthrown the Shiites refrained from resorting to violence, instead adopting a moderate stance subject to Shiite religious leader Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, taking advantage of their influence as the majority in Iraq.

Reconstruction work also must be sp up in line with the political proces of transferring sovereignty to Iraqis.

Sadr's supporters reportedly include the poorest section of the population, including the unemploy one time the reconstruction work becomes more visible, the number of those participating in violent acts against the occupying authorities appropriate to their frustration over the passing from hand to hand situation will decline.

solid support is necessary from the international community to elevate the reconstruction of the abiding habitation No country welcomes turmoil and instability in Iraq.

Samawah, where the Self-Defense Forces are engaged in reconstruction work, is said to be an area in which Sadr does not have often influence. Nevertheless, SDF personnel are urg to increase their precautions in preparation for unforeseen occurrences and continue their reconstruction efforts.

(April 7)

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