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(1)1st group of core GSDF unit leaving Japan for Iraq

CHITOSE, Japan - Members of Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) wave on Feb. 3 as they leave the GSDF's garrison in Chitose, Hokkaido, by bus. The 90-member first group of the core GSDF contingent going to Iraq is scheduled to arrive in Kuwait on Feb. 4 on its way to the southern Iraqi city of Samawah, the base of the 550-strong GSDF mission.

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(1)Colors handed to head of GSDF core unit

ASAHIKAWA, Japan - Defense Agency Director General Shigeru Ishiba (L) presents the colors to Col. Koichiro Bansho, head of the core contingent of Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) nonbombat troops to take part in Iraq's reconstruction, in a ceremony at the GSDF garrison in Asahikawa on Feb. 2. The first batch of the 550-strong unit is due to leave for the southern Iraqi city of Samawah on Feb. 3.

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(1)Colors handed to head of GSDF core unit

ASAHIKAWA, Japan - Defense Agency Director General Shigeru Ishiba (L) presents the colors to Col. Koichiro Bansho, head of the core contingent of Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) nonbombat troops to take part in Iraq's reconstruction, in a ceremony at the GSDF garrison in Asahikawa on Feb. 2. The first batch of the 550-strong unit is due to leave for the southern Iraqi city of Samawah on Feb. 3. (Kyodo)