The Japanese government will dispatch its maritime self-defense force for relief operations in countries affected by the Dec. 26 tsunami in the Indian Ocean, a government spokesman said Thursday.

"We are ready to dispatch the maritime self defense force for relief operation," said Akira Chiba, spokesman for Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi who was in Jakarta to attend an international conference on tsunami.

Chiba said a 21-member survey team was already dispatched to Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia.

"We have to find out the needs. We don't exclude any of the three forces -- maritime, ground and air -- from participating in the relief operation," he told a press conference.

Japan also will extend up to US$500 million of grant as emergency assistance for Indonesia, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Thailand.

Chiba said the US$500 million assistance was intended only for emergency needs and Japan is ready to further assist the post-disaster reconstruction in affected countries.

"We are ready to discuss with affected governments. They may raise the figure for reconstruction," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency January 6, 2005)