The House of Representatives on Tuesday began deliberating a government-proposed bill to send the Self-Defense Forces to Iraq.
Tuesday's debate suggested a rocky road ahead, with the opposition parties questioning the purpose of the bill and the need to dispatch SDF personnel.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda said the legislation will enable Japan to contribute to Iraq's reconstruction in line with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1483, which calls for international support on humanitarian aid, reconstruction and maintaining security.