The commander of a Japanese mine-sweeping force in the Persian Gulf says the main navigation channel leading to Kuwait is safe.

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The ships have been able to destroy 34 mines to establish "high mine-sweeping clearance level" in the area off the ports of Kuwait, Capt. Taosa Ochiai told a news conference Thursday.He said the four mine-sweepers, operating in the gulf for three months, also have expanded and widened Kuwait's main navigation channel to maintain continued safe passage of sea traffic.

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