Newsletter No. 585
News-Analysis
April 25, 2007

 

INDIAN OCEAN EXTENDED FOR AN ELEVENTH SIX-MONTH PERIOD

Yesterday the cabinet decided to extend the deadline on the MSDF mission in the Indian Ocean from May 1st to November 1st. This is the eleventh extension of the naval mission, which is commonly attributed to “anti-terrorism” efforts against the Taliban and Al-Qaida in Afghanistan.

Both Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuhisa Shiozaki and Foreign Minister Taro Aso made comments that were reported by the press:

Chief Cabinet Secretary Shiozaki: "The refueling assistance provided by our MSDF vessels is highly appreciated by the other countries as a basis for their maritime intercept operations in the Indian Ocean… It is also an important component of Japan's contribution in the fight against terrorism."

Foreign Minister Aso: "The extension of our country's special antiterrorism measures law and continuation of activities that fit our country's role is necessary also from a diplomatic point of view as a responsible member of the international community."

Senior officials in Tokyo have been making identical comments for several years now.