iraq

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Government seeks to extend SDF mission in Iraq

The Japanese government and the ruling parties have agreed to call on the Diet to amend the law on "anti-terrorism" measures with the aim of extending the Self-Defense Forces mission in Iraq beyond the current deadline of December 14.

Expounding on the decision, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hosoda Hiroyuki said that the extension of the SDF mission corresponds to "the continued demand" and that "you can interpret this as the prime minister's decision."

Hosoda also said that the government and the ruling parties are considering extending the SDF mission for up to two more years.

The current law on "anti-terrorism" measures is the legal basis for the ongoing Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force mission in the Indian Ocean that includes refueling U.S. ships engaged in "anti-terrorist" military operations. It was enacted soon after the United States began its anti-terrorist war in retaliation for the 9/11 terrorist attack in 2001. It was amended in October 2003 to extend the mission two more years.

The Maritime SDF mission cooperating with U.S. forces in the Indian Ocean has raised doubts about its effectiveness as an anti-terrorist activity.Even within the ruling parties, some politicians have expressed cautiousness about continuing the mission. -- Akahata, September 16, 2005