TOKYO, Dec. 6 (Xinhuanet) -- The Japanese government would extend the humanitarian mission by its troops in Iraq for one year until next December, but could pull them out during that time depending on conditions, Japanese media reported Tuesday.

    The cabinet is set to pass the plan on Thursday, according to Kyodo News.

    The new basic plan about the mission in Iraq said the government would take steps, including withdrawal, "even during the period" through Dec. 14, 2006, Kyodo reported.

    Japan's reconstruction aid operation, which started two years ago, involves about 600 ground troops stationed in southern Iraq as well as military transport planes in neighboring Kuwait.

    The government is trying to arrange to complete the pullout by the summer in line with the reported withdrawal in May by the British and Australian troops in charge of security in southern Iraq, Kyodo reported, citing government sources.

    The deployment is controversial in Japan, not only because it is regarded as a violation of the nation's pacifist constitution, but also the soldiers' safety is at risk in view of the continuing attacks by the insurgents.

    As for a pullout timetable, Japan will assess such factors as the multilateral forces' activity conditions and changes in their composition including the British and Australian forces in Muthana Province, where the Japanese troops have been deployed, according to the plan.

    It will also take into account the Dec. 15 elections and subsequent political process in Iraq, local security there including the transfer of authority to Iraqi security forces, and progress in the country's reconstruction. Enditem