On October 27, Japan extended the Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law for another year until November 1, 2007, in order to continue its support to of international efforts to fight against against terrorism by dispatching Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) vessels to the Indian Ocean for refueling operations.
Japan enacted the Anti-Terrorism Specials Measures Law in November 2001 in order to contribute to the international society’s efforts in eradicating threats of international terrorism following the September 11 attacks in the United States . The Law was extended twice in 2003 and 2005. This is the 3rd extension of the Law.
Based on the Law, JMSDF vessels have supplied 450,000 kiloliters kilo litters of fuels (about $168 million worth) (as of August 31, 2006) to the vessels of coalition forces that are engaged in the operation to prevent and deter the free movement of terrorists and their related materials (Operation Enduring Freedom – Maritime Interdiction Operation: OEF-MIO).
The extension of the Law enables JMSDF vessels to continue the refueling activity until November 2007 and shows Japan ’s commitment to actively participate in the international efforts to fight against against terrorism.
[Related links]
Japan’s International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation
http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/terrorism/
Japan-Afghanistan Summit Meeting
http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/koizumiphoto/2006/07/05afghan_e.html
Co-Chairs’ Summary: The Second Tokyo Conference on Consolidation of Peace in Afghanistan
http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/middle_e/afghanistan/summary0607.html
Visit to Japan of President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan and the Holding of “Tokyo Conference II: Consolidation of Peace in Afghanistan”
http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/event/2006/6/0616.html |
