Japan ground troops to mark official end to Iraq occupation

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http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticleNew.asp?xfile=data/focusoniraq/2006/July/focusoniraq_July155.xml§ion=focusoniraq

ASAKA, Japan - The first Japanese troops deployed to a combat zone since World War II were gathering on Saturday to mark the end of their mission by celebrating the return of the army flag that flew over them for 2 1/2 years in Iraq.

About 500 troops who recently returned from the humanitarian mission in a sparsely populated part of southern Iraq will attend the ceremony at the Ground Self-Defense Forces Asaka training grounds just north of Tokyo.

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, Foreign Minister Taro Aso, Defense chief Fukushiro Nukaga and Iraqi ambassador to Japan Ghanim Alwan al-Jumaily are also expected to attend, along with supporting troops and about a thousand well wishers.

The mission to the southern city of Samawah boosted Japan’s international profile and strengthened its ties with the United States - Japan’s biggest ally - but also tested the limits of the country’s pacifist constitution and was widely criticized at home.