Government wants legislation to send SDF ships on 'anti-piracy missions' without specifying areas

Japan Press Weekly

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Government wants legislation to send SDF ships on 'anti-piracy missions' without specifying areas

The Liberal Democratic and Komei parties have agreed that a new law to send Self-Defense Force ships abroad on so-called "anti-piracy" missions should not specify particular areas of operation.

Representatives of the two parties on their "anti-piracy project team" held a meeting on January 28.

The project team's plan makes clear that the new law should provide that Japanese SDF anti-piracy missions should include protection of foreign ships, a departure from the current rule under the Self-Defense Forces Law which allows the SDF to protect only Japanese ships operated by Japanese companies or carrying Japanese crewmembers or cargo for Japan.

Regarding the use of weapons, which is strictly prohibited by law except in case of self-defense or emergencies, the two parties suggest easing the regulation by stating, "The project team will discuss establishing new standards allowing SDF personnel to decide on the use of weapons in a realistic and effective manner according the situation."

The ruling parties plan to submit the bill after a month of discussion by their project team.

Pirates are on the rampage in the waters off the coast of Somalia against the background of the collapse of the economy as well as the government in Somalia due to a civil war that has continued for more than 20 years. Piracy is a crime that should be dealt with by police forces not military forces .

The government and the ruling parties should stop regarding the sending of SDF vessels abroad as a matter of course. It should focus more on supporting Somalia's peace process and in giving technical and financial aid to neighboring countries and international organizations involved in the effort to strengthen anti-piracy measures.

- Akahata, January 29, 2009