Poll: Nearly 70% of Japanese oppose extending Iraq mission
(AP)
Updated: 2005-11-29 10:30

Nearly 70 percent of Japanese oppose extending the nation's troop mission in Iraq when its mandate expires next month, according to a newspaper poll published Tuesday.

The national Asahi newspaper said 69 percent were against an extension of the humanitarian, non-combat mission, up from 55 percent in a previous survey in January.

Support fell to 22 percent from 33 percent, while 9 percent were undecided.

The mission for Japan's 600 troops deployed in the southern city of Samawah expires on December 14 and the government is expected soon to formally announce a decision on whether to extend it.

Opponents said they were concerned about the safety of Japan's troops and Tokyo's allegiance to the United States. While most of those in favor said the extension would enhance Japan's level of international cooperation.

The poll, which surveyed 1,954 adults on November 26-27, gave no margin of error.