Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said Monday he still considers Iraq's southern city of Samawah as a "noncombat" region despite the Iraqi government had announced a state of emergency, suggesting the troops deployed there would stay on.The law which authorizes the Self-Defense Forces' carrying out reconstruction mission rules the operations shall only be conducted in regions where no fighting is taking place or deemed to happen.

On Japan's planed extension of the mission, the premier said, "We will have to make a decision looking at the situation comprehensively as Dec. 14 approaches," according to Kyodo News. He was referring to the deadline of the one-year mission.

After the killing of a Japanese hostage last month and two shells attacks at the SDF's camp, oppositions and the public have ratcheted up callings for a due withdrawal.

A poll conducted by the major paper Mainichi Shimbun said Monday that 51 percent of Japanese oppose a prolonged presence. A Kyodo survey found 63 percent of the respondents were against the extension.

The premier has been taking a vague stand on the issue. He said immediately after the hostage's death that Japan would take a comprehensive review before making decision. However, he reportedly told a parliamentary session on Friday that Japan has "no choice but to (make the planned national election in Iraq in January) succeed."

Analysts here said the premier is using a tactic in a bid to avoid a hard debate in the parliament before it cames to a recess early December.

Source: Xinhua