Statement by Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda

On Enactment of the Replenishment Support Special Measures Law

Embassy of Japan

January 11, 2008

On January 11, the Replenishment Support Special Measures Law was enacted in Japan, under which the refueling activities by Japan’s Maritime Self Defense Force in the Indian Ocean would be resumed. On the same day, Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda issued the following statement regarding the enactment of the Replenishment Support Special Measures Law and the resumption of the refueling activities.

As he clearly stated in his policy speech in October, as well as his statement in November, when the refueling activities were terminated due to the expiration of the law authorizing the refueling activities, the early resumption of the refueling activities has been one of the top policy priorities for the Prime Minister Fukuda and he made utmost effort for the enactment of this law.

(Statement by Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda On Enactment of the Replenishment Support Special Measures Law)

As of today, the Replenishment Support Special Measures Law was enacted. The Government of Japan intends to formulate the implementation plan in the middle of next week and set sail Maritime Self-Defense Force vessels for the Indian Ocean by the end of January so as to resume the refueling activities at the earliest possible date.

Japan's prosperity can only be enjoyed in a peaceful and stable international community. It needs to actively cooperate with the "fight against terror" on its own judgment so as to contribute to the international community. The refueling activities are a demonstration of Japan's efforts to do the utmost within its capability. It is truly significant that Japan can now rejoin the "fight against terror."

It is important to implement humanitarian and reconstruction assistance as well as security and counter-terrorism measures so as to eradicate terrorism. The Government of Japan will continue to actively implement humanitarian and reconstruction assistance and contribute to the nation-building of Afghanistan in close coordination with the international community.

I hope to gain further understanding and support of the Japanese people for these efforts of the Government of Japan.

[Related links]

* Policy Speech by Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda to the 168 th Session of the Diet ( October 1, 2007 )

http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/hukudaspeech/2007/10/01syosin_e.html

* Statement by Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda on Termination of the activities under the Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law due to the Expiration of the Law ( November 1, 2007 )

http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/pm/fukuda/state0711.html

* Japan ’s International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs Website)

http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/terrorism/index.html

* Overview of Japan 's International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation (October 2007)

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs Website)

http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/terrorism/coop0710.html

* Japanese Prime Minister’s Official Residence website

http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/index-e.html