Koizumi told senior officials of the three ruling parties to submit a bill to parliament that would allow the nation's Self-Defence Forces to go to Iraq, Jiji Press news agency and public network Japan Broadcasting Corp. said.

"I asked secretaries-general to consider new legislation to assist the Iraqi reconstruction," Jiji Press quoted Koizumi as telling reporters after meeting with the officials at a Tokyo hotel.

Koizumi envisages legislation that would last for four years, the agency said.

Japanese media last month reported the United States had asked Japan to send about 1,000 military personnel to help maintain security and order.

Tokyo has reportedly found it difficult to send its troops to Iraq under the 1992 UN Peacekeeping Activities Cooperation Law, which has conditions such as a ceasefire agreement among warring factions.

Japan's pacifist constitution bars use of its forces to settle international disputes.

Japan has been providing the US-led military action in Afghanistan with seaborne logistical support under a special two-year act clearing support for "anti-terrorism" activities.

The special law is to expire in November but Jiji Press said Koizumi wants to extend the term by two years.

WAR.WIRE