Relatives of the three Japanese civilians held captive in Iraq by apparent terrorists asked the government Friday to withdraw the Ground Self-Defense Force troops from Iraq in line with the kidnappers' demand.
Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi promised the family members that Tokyo would do its utmost to rescue the abductees, but did not respond to the request that Japan withdraw its troops.
The family members arrived in Tokyo on Friday for meetings with government officials. They asked Kawaguchi why Japan cannot withdraw the GSDF troops to save the hostages, according to a Foreign Ministry official.