Rlated: Japan announces decision to pull out troops from Iraq

    TOKYO, June 22 (Xinhua) -- The Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF)'s assistance for the reconstruction in Iraq is likely to be expanded while its ground troops withdraw from the country, Japanese Defense Agency Director General Fukushiro Nukaga indicated on Thursday.

    The Iraq-based ASDF will carry out their work "based on the needs of the United Nations and the multinational force," Nukaga said, adding that Japan had not drawn up a specific schedule about the expansion of assistance.

    The ASDF might be assigned new tasks, such as to airlift supplies and personnel to more destinations in Iraq, Kyodo News said.

    Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi announced Tuesday on a press conference that Japan has decided to withdraw the Ground Self-Defense Force troops from Iraq.

    Government officials implied that the pullout may begin later this month and be completed by the end of July, but could be delayed by bad weather or other unfavorable conditions. Enditem