Visiting U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage expressed pleasure Tuesday with a bill that would pave the way for the Self-Defense Forces to be sent to Iraq to assist in reconstruction work.
He also expressed confidence that weapons of mass destruction would be located in Iraq.
"I'm very happy to have Japan considering being able to take part in all the great efforts and great events of our day," Armitage told reporters after a meeting with Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda. "I think it's most appropriate for Japan."