What is behind LDP’s scenario to extend Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law?

Japan Press Weekly

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

What is behind LDP’s scenario to extend Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law?

The ruling Liberal Democratic and Komei parties agreed on September 9 to introduce in the upcoming Extraordinary Session of the Diet a bill to allow the Maritime Self-Defense Force to continue to engage in the refueling mission in the Indian Ocean after the present Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law expires next January.

The cabinet is expected to approve a bill to extend the temporary law on September 19, and the LDP plans to submit it in the upcoming Extraordinary Session of the Diet, which will be convened in October.

Although the sudden resignation of Prime Minister Fukuda Yasuo left the ruling coalition no choice but to dissolve the House of Representatives for a general election, the ruling bloc is urging the next cabinet to give priority to the enactment of the refueling mission bill.

It is not difficult to understand that the United States is putting pressure on Japan to enact the bill to ensure that Japan can continue to participate in the refueling mission in the Indian Ocean.

Michael Green, former U.S. National Security Council Asia Chief, in his article “After Fukuda” on the Wall Street Journal Asia (September 3rd issue) asserted; “the next prime minister should look at the requirements in Afghanistan and then make the case for providing the assistance that is needed.”

If the Diet is dissolved, the extension bill (for the refueling mission) to be submitted in October will be scrapped. Apparently, the government’s determination to submit the bill is a message that Japan will make every effort to meet the U.S. request that Japan show its military presence in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Former Defense Minister Ishiba Shigeru’s ‘hasty’ decision to run for the LDP presidency is another gesture to appease the United States. The LDP is trying to show the United States that foreign policy and security issues are being discussed seriously in the LDP presidential election.

If the extension bill is rejected in the next Diet session, the SDF refueling mission must be suspended and new legislation needs to be enacted under the new cabinet.

A former member of the LDP defense panel said, “If in the general election the LDP fails to secure a two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives, it will be impossible to override House of Councilors rejections and get bills enacted. And if the refueling bill is rejected by the opposition DPJ in the Special Session of the Diet to be convened following the general election, it will be the DPJ, not the LDP that is responsible for the matter.” He was suggesting that the DPJ should change its mind in dealing with Iraq and Afghanistan issues.

While opposing the SDF’s refueling in the Indian Ocean, the DPJ is in favor of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty and revision of the war-renouncing Article 9 of the Constitution.

DPJ Representative Ozawa Ichiro says that Japan’s SDF can take part in collective security missions if they are carried out based on United Nations resolutions. Ozawa has also stated that a DPJ government, if established, will allow the SDF to take part in the International Security Assistance Forces　(ISAF).

Green said, “The international coalition in Afghanistan needs helicopters, more reconstruction funds and boots on the ground to assist Provincial Reconstruction Teams. These are all missions that Japan can fill within the current constraints of its Constitution.” In saying this, Green was urging Japan, including the DPJ, to send ground forces to Afghanistan.

A close aide to Ozawa stated that (if the DPJ wins the majority in the general election) the party will have to draw up detailed steps that Japan should take to assist in Afghanistan.” - Akahata, September 11, 2008