Japan to end Iraq mission

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TOKYO, Sept 11 (AFP):Japan said Tuesday it was ending an air mission in Iraq, wrapping up a military deployment which was historic for the pacifist nation but deeply unpopular at home.
Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura said Japan planned by the end of the year to bring back the planes which flew goods and personnel into Iraq in support of the United Nations and US-led coalition.
The mission was the last Japanese military operation in Iraq after Japan, which has been officially pacifist since defeat in World War II, ended a landmark ground deployment in 2006. "After continued consultations with Iraq, we have come to believe that the situation in Iraq has gradually improved and that we are gradually achieving the purpose" of the Japanese mission, Komura said.