There are no doubts about Japan's support for the United States in Iraq. Tokyo was a strong backer of the U.S.-led invasion, is a top contributor to reconstruction and just approved a plan to send troops to the region.
But when it comes to the recent U.S. campaign for debt relief for Iraq, top creditor Japan is so far keeping its hands on its wallet.
While war-critics France, Germany and Russia have voiced support for reducing Iraq's crushing debt burden during recent visits by U.S. envoy James A. Baker III, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's administration has been quiet on whether it's willing to join the effort.
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