Panel calls for SDF to take more active role in PKO

A private panel to Chief Cabinet Secretary Fukuda Yasuo on December 18 submitted to Prime Minister Koizumi Jun'ichiro a report calling for a law allowing Japan to dispatch the Self-Defense Forces abroad to provide logistic support for multinational forces.

The panel's report requested that the five principles for Japan's participation in international peace-keeping operations be interpreted more flexibly so that SDF units can take part in peace-keeping operations if such operations are sanctioned by U.N. resolutions.

The panel also claims that the law needs to be changed in order to enable SDF units to carry arms in peace-keeping operations abroad.

Prime Minister Koizumi expressed appreciation for the report by saying, "We should take it fully into consideration."

Akahata on December 19 pointed out that the proposal will encourage the government to consider various ways to support U.S. attacks on Iraq. (end)