Japan's cabinet approved a plan on Tuesday for the dispatch of non-combat troops to Iraq, a landmark decision that clears the way for what could be the biggest and most dangerous overseas mission by its military since World War II.

Trade Minister Shoichi Nakagawa told reporters the decision had been made at a specially convened cabinet meeting.

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi will give a news conference shortly, explaining the contents and justification for the controversial step, which some critics say violates the pacifist constitution.

Koizumi has had to balance Japan's tight security ties with the United States, which is keen for the dispatch, with domestic concerns which increased after the killing of two Japanese diplomats in Iraq late last month.

Close

Today's Top News		Top International News
+In the hiring line ( 2003-12-09) +Export increase key to cutting trade deficit ( 2003-12-09) +Premier Wen urges stronger US ties ( 2003-12-09) +Moon probe to blast off in 3 years ( 2003-12-08) +Defensive referendum manipulates democracy ( 2003-12-08)		+Japan cabinet approves plan for Iraq troop dispatch ( 2003-12-09) +Takefuji chairman resigns amid scandal ( 2003-12-09) +Gore to endorse Howard Dean, sources say ( 2003-12-09) +Japan police arrest two for file sharing ( 2003-12-09) +McDonald's notches 8th straight monthly gains in US sales ( 2003-12-09)