KYOTO, Japan, Nov. 16 (Xinhuanet) -- Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi Wednesday pledged "maximum efforts" by his government to help realize a realignment of the US military presence in Japan.

    Speaking at a joint news conference with US President George W.Bush, Koizumi said of an interim report on the realignment, "Maximum efforts will be made by the government uniting as one so that the compiled plan will be realized."

    Bush expressed hope that Koizumi demonstrate leadership on the issue.

    Koizumi also indicated that Japan will extend the deployment of Japan's Self-Defense Forces in Iraq to help in reconstruction efforts beyond the Dec. 14 deadline.

    The premier said that the fight against terrorism takes time and that Japan will extend its support for that end. Enditem