US ambassador says Japanese exit from war on terror would be `tragedy'

The U.S. ambassador urged Japan on Wednesday to extend its naval mission in the Indian Ocean, saying it would be "a real tragedy" if Tokyo dropped out of the battle against terrorism.

Japan has refueled U.S.-led warships in the Indian Ocean since 2001, but withdrew the mission in November when the opposition _ which controls the upper house of parliament _ blocked its extension.

U.S. Ambassador Thomas Schieffer said Japan would have to decide whether it wants to be part of the international effort to combat terrorism or not.

"It would be a real tragedy if somehow Japan tried to opt out of the war on terror," he told reporters …