Japan: Law allowing military to join war on terror wins final approval
( 2001-10-29 14:11) (7)
Legislation authorizing Japan's military to support the US-led war on terror won final approval Monday, paving the way for Japan to send troops overseas.
Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has championed the legislation as a way for Japan to make a meaningful contribution to the campaign against Osama bin Laden -- the prime suspect in the September 11 attacks.
The package of bills limit Japan to a non-combat role, to stay within the confines of the nation's pacifist constitution.
The popular conservative leader has publicly criticized Japan's checkbook diplomacy during the 1991 Gulf War, when the government drew fire for offering mostly money to the international coalition fighting Iraq.
Japan also sent minesweepers, but only after a cease-fire was signed.
The law allows Japan's military to transport supplies, conduct search-and-rescue missions and dispatch medical teams in support of US forces and their allies. Japanese units are restricted, however, to areas where they are not likely to face combat.
It is part of a package of anti-terrorism legislation passed last week by Japan's powerful lower house of Parliament. The upper house gave final approval Monday.
Koizumi's three-party governing coalition holds a majority in both houses.
Memories of World War II make some Japanese uncomfortable with the idea of sending their military on operations abroad, and Japan's tiny Socialist and Communist parties argue that providing even non-combat support violates the country's post-World War II constitution. But recent opinion polls suggest that a narrow majority of voters approve.
Japanese media have reported that initial missions will probably involve naval vessels transporting fuel and gathering reconnaissance.
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