The Japanese government decided Thursday to extend the humanitarian assistance mission by the Ground Self-Defense Force for one year.

The extension plan, however, leaves leeway for an earlier withdrawal depending on some conditions.

About 600 Japanese troops are stationed in the southern city of Samawah. Their two-year-old presence there expires Dec. 14.

Under the plan, the troops could pull out depending on a series of conditions, including Iraq's political and reconstruction process and the local security situation.

"Even in the mission period," the Japanese government will " make appropriate responses" based on those conditions, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi told a press conference after the decision.

Explaining the reason for extending the troops presence, Koizumi said the aid was welcome among local people and the United Nations had adopted a resolution to extend the multinational force 's mission to the end of next year.

The extension period would also take into consideration the activities of the multinational force, including the British and Australian troops that are protecting the Japanese force.

The Japanese 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 News 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 are at risk in view of the continuing attacks by the insurgents.

Koizumi said the local security situation is hardly predictable, but is relatively better than other regions.

Source: Xinhua