JCP urges SDF to cancel plan to send quick reaction forces to Djibouti

Japan Press Weekly

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

JCP urges SDF to cancel plan to send quick reaction forces to Djibouti

The Japanese Communist Party Tochigi Prefectural Committee and the Utsunomiya Peace Committee on May 16 requested that the Ground Self-Defense Force Central Readiness Regiment commander cancel the plan to send the regiment based at the Utsunomiya garrison to Djibouti.

The Defense Ministry on May 15 announced the plan to send the GSDF central readiness regiment to guard Djibouti airport as part of anti-piracy measures off Somalia.

The SDF plans to send about 50 members to Djibouti as part of the anti-piracy mission off the coast of Somalia in late May. A part of the regiment will leave on May 18 on an advance mission.

As the regiment held a send-off party on May 16 at the Utsunomiya garrison, about 30 people holding a banner declaring, "Don't go, don't shoot, and don't get shot!" made representations to the effect that the dispatch is unconstitutional and will perpetuate military dispatches abroad.

A 79-year old man who fought during WW II in Manchuria wanted his opinion that any use of force will not settle problems be conveyed to the regimental commander.

- Akahata, May 17, 2009