Tokyo -- Japanese soldier in IraqJapan's defence minister returned to Tokyo armed with an upbeat report on the situation in southern Iraq, fuelling speculation that Junichiro Koizumi, prime minister, would try to extend the controversial deployment of Japanese troops there without parliamentary approval.

On returning from a visit to Iraq, Yoshinori Ohno, head of the defence agency, said in a statement on Monday: "I was satisfied that the security situation in the area is stable and that the troops' activities are being welcomed by the people of Samawah."

He added, in remarks that the opposition Democratic Party of Japan dismissed as a "performance" intended to clear the way for an extension: "I realised once again that there is a great demand for repairs to roads and schools and for medical support, so the troops' humanitarian and reconstruction work remains important."

A special law that permitted Japan to deploy troops in spite of the restrictions of its pacifist constitution runs out on December 14. A senior foreign ministry official told the Financial Times last month that Mr Koizumi was almost certain to extend the deployment, in spite of public opposition, because of the role it played in cementing ties with Washington.

Mr Koizumi is widely expected to seek the extension in a cabinet meeting scheduled for Friday. A spokesman for the prime minister said that he did not need parliamentary approval for an extension.

Even supporters of deployment have criticised the apparent tactic of bypassing a parliamentary debate. Last Friday, the Diet went into recess until January.

Weekend opinion polls show that at least 60 per cent of the population favours withdrawing the troops this month. Although no troops have been killed or injured in Iraq, many Japanese people say the security situation is not as stable as the government claims.

A number of rocket attacks on the Japanese camp has forced the troops to scale back their activities, prompting allegations from the opposition that their presence is little more than symbolic.

Two Japanese journalists, two diplomats and a backpacker have been killed in Iraq. Many Japanese people say they are wary of Japan becoming entangled in international conflicts after fifty years of strict interpretation of a constitution that bans military activity except in the defence of Japan.

Mr Koizumi said on Monday: "I want to make a judgement after carefully looking at the entire situation." Last week, he told parliament: "Iraq is in serious trouble now, and we should continue our effort when it's needed the most."

Because of constitutional restrictions, Japan's base in Samawah has been protected by Dutch troops, which are scheduled to be withdrawn in March. Mr Ohno said that Japan could ask the UK to play a similar role.

By David Pilling
Financial Times