Japan PM's support slides on Iraq concerns-paper (37% approval)

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http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/T203452.htm

TOKYO, Dec 12 (Reuters) - Support for Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and his cabinet slid sharply to 37 percent in a poll taken after his decision to extend the mandate of Japanese troops serving in Iraq, a national daily said on Sunday.

Mainichi Shimbun said the percentage of respondents saying they backed Koizumi dropped eight points from 45 percent in a similar poll in November. It was the first time his approval rate had dropped below 40 percent since he swept to power in 2001, boasting popstar-like status and ratings over 80 percent.

Around 45 percent of respondents to the poll, carried out on Friday and Saturday, said they did not support Koizumi and 62 percent said they opposed the extension of Japan's mission in Iraq, the daily said.

An overwhelming majority, 84 percent, said Koizumi had failed to provide sufficient explanation for Thursday's cabinet decision to extend the troops' mandate by a year, the Mainichi said.

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