A decision on when to send the troops will depend on Tokyo's assessment of the situation but Japan is committed to preventing Iraq from becoming a "hotbed of terrorism", Koizumi told representatives of the Asia News Network (ANN).

"There is no change whatsoever in Japan's position,'' he said.

Conceding that there were dangers ahead and that he was "utterly infuriated" by the killing of the two diplomats, he said it would be in Japan's interest to "discharge its responsibility and cooperate with the United States in restoring stability in Iraq".

Koizumi was talking at length on the issue that is causing widespread concern in his country during a hourlong interview with representatives from 12 Asian newspapers which are ANN members.

The Daily Star is one of the ANN members and its Editor and Publisher Mahfuz Anam was among the representatives.

Koizumi also shared his concerns about the growing threat of terrorism, the emergence of China and the North Korean threat and other issues.

Tokyo's post-war foreign policy attaches much importance to the Japan-US alliance and its own role in international cooperation, Koizumi said and added it was his intention to ensure that his government is effective in ensuring both.

Japan will send self-defence forces, civilians or government officials to stabilise Iraq and help Iraqis form their government, he said.

The fatal ambush on Saturday of two Japanese diplomats in Iraq has sparked off widespread concern within the country over the government's decision to send its troops to Baghdad, with some reports speculating that Japan could delay sending its forces.

Koizumi, however, refrained from making a commitment on when he would make a decision and said: "It is not a question of delaying or not delaying, I will make an assessment and make my judgement.''

The fight against terrorism in both Iraq and Afghanistan has become a very serious issue and nations should be prepared for a "long drawn out fight'", he told the Asian editors and representatives.

Of concern to him also was the maritime security threat in the Asean region and Japan hoped to cooperate with countries in Southeast Asia to counter piracy and foil attacks.

Koizumi, however, emphasised that Japan would not take security measures that would "alarm"' its neighbours in Asia.

He made these remarks while responding to another question on changes in Japan's security role in the region, with the US now talking about re-alignment of troops.

"The constitution stipulates that Japan shall not use force and not engage in combat and we will uphold that constitution."

"It is important to make sure that what we do will not cause a sense of alarm in the region,'' he said.

The ANN is a grouping of prominent Asian newspapers to promote the exchange of Asian news and views in the region.