TOKYO, (Saba)- Pressure was mounting on the Japanese government to pull out of Iraq despite Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's refusal,
as the foreign ministry said it had no information on the whereabouts of three of its citizens kidnapped by militants.

Japan has already asked the United States for help while the official said the government was also considering seeking help from Arab diplomats
stationed in Japan.

The United States welcomed Japan's decision to keep its troops in Iraq, saying Washington was actively working with Tokyo to locate the hostages.

TD

SABA