Japan sends SDF planes, troops to Jordan for Iraq relief

[LauraK]

TOKYO, July 10 (Xinhuanet) -- Two Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) transport aircraft carrying 41 Self-Defense Force (SDF) officers left Japan on Thursday morning for Jordan to help deliver relief supplies for the Iraqi people.

The 41 SDF members will be joined by 49 others who are traveling on a commercial airline, according to Kyodo News.

Japan is sending the troops to help transport the relief goods to Iraq, although they will not enter that country, following a request by the World Food Program (WFP).

Japan is considering sending SDF troops to Iraq for the country's reconstruction later this year under a special law now before the House of Councillors and expected to be enacted this month.
<cut
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2003-07/10/content_965836.htm