Koizumi vows to keep troops in Iraq despite election setback

Koizumi told a news conference that his ruling Liberal Democratic Party had a tough fight in Sunday's upper house elections as more than 60 percent of people opposed his administration's decision to keep Japanese troops in Iraq.

"Japan needs to continue activities which will be regarded as valued work there," said Koizumi.

"In line with a UN agreement, Japan wants to play a role as a member of the international community by providing both personnel support by the Self-Defence Forces and material support," the premier said.

"The Iraqi president directly asked me to continue supportive activities of the Self-Defence Forces. We will carry out activities suitable to Japan," he added.

Japan, one of Washington's staunchest backers over the Iraq war, has around 550 troops in the southern Iraqi city of Samawa providing post-war humanitarian assistance in its most controversial and risky mission since 1945.

Results from the weekend elections showed Koizumi's LDP won 49 of the 121 seats up for grabs, a loss of one seat. The main opposition democrats won 50 seats.

The elections were regarded as an opportunity for the public to deliver a verdict on Koizumi's decision to keep troops in Iraq and other issues.

Koizumi said he would stay in power as the LDP and its coalition partner together maintained a majority in the chamber. The ruling coalition also holds a majority in the more powerful lower house of parliament.