VP says Iraq eager for new page of relations with Japan

Iraq-Suspects BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Iraqi Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi said that his country is looking forward to a new page of mutual relations with Japan following the stoppage of the logistic support by the Japanese forces in Samawa city. “During a Japanese embassy reception in Baghdad, Hashemi pointed out that following the withdrawal of the Self-Defense Forces from Samawa (southern Iraq) and the stoppage of the logistic support provided by the Japanese air force, Iraqis are waiting for a new page of mutual relations that focus on economy, science and technology,” according to a statement published on the official web site of the Iraqi presidency. Japan deployed 600 troops in the southern Iraqi city of Samawa from 2004-2006 to provide humanitarian assistance in the war-torn country. Japanese air logistic support operations were carried out in 2006 SS (P)/SR 1