Japanese PM due in New York to see World Trade Center carnage
( 2001-09-25 10:48 ) (7 )

Japanese Premier Junichiro Koizumi was due to visit the ruins of the World Trade Center on Monday before heading to Washington for talks with US President George W Bush.

Koizumi was to tour the wreckage of the twin towers with Mayor Rudy Giuliani, meet families of some of the more than 6,000 people missing and hold talks with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, said Japanese consulate spokesman Takehiko Wajima.

The Japanese premier was only due to spend four hours in New York before leaving for Washington where he is to meet Bush on Tuesday, said Wajima.

"The Japanese prime minister wanted very much to show his solidarity with the people of New York and see the site for himself," said the spokesman.

He said 22 Japanese nationals were confirmed to be among the 6,453 people missing inside the WTC since suspected Islamic militants slammed two passenger jets into the towers on September 11.

Wajima said two Japanese nationals were also on board the two planes that ploughed into the WTC.

Koizumi has come out strongly in support of the United States following the terrorist attacks, and has announced plans to offer military support to any US action against suspected terror mastermind Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan.

The Kyodo news agency has reported that Japan was preparing to send three destroyers and a naval tanker to the Indian Ocean to help a US battle group there with intelligence and surveillance chores.

It would be the first time Japan has sent abroad armed forces in connection with a US military operation, and the mission could run afoul of Japan's post-war pacifist constitution which bans the use of force in settling international disputes.

The September 11 attacks on the WTC and the Pentagon prompted Koizumi last week to pledge a new law on logistic support -- such as medical services, transportation and supply shipments -- for the US reprisal.