Japanese ship back from ‘war on terror’ mission

A Japanese supply ship returned home Friday from the Indian Ocean, where it was providing fuel for the US-led “war on terror”, amid growing political deadlock over whether to continue the program.

The Tokiwa oiler arrived at Tokyo’s Harumi pier, with about 140 sailors in black uniforms greeting their families, politicians and officials.

“I, as the defense minister, am delighted that you accomplished your duty with sharp skills and high morale, and I appreciate it,” Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba said in a speech to the sailors.

“The government will do our utmost to enact new anti-terrorism legislation, designed to resume the refuelling operations in order to ensure our national interest and to fulfil our duty to the international community,” he said.

About 50 lawmakers from both ruling and opposition blocs came to the pier to welcome the sailors.

Japan began the refuelling mission, which provided fuel and other logistical support to troops in Afghanistan, after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in a bid to help coalition forces.

The opposition, which won control of the upper house of parliament in July polls, opposed the mission, saying it was against the nation’s pacifist constitution and that Japan has been too close to the Bush administration.

The opposition refused the government’s plan to extend the mission, and the government was forced to call home its two ships in the Indian Ocean on November 1, when legislation allowing the refuelling expired.

The Kirisame destroyer, which had been at sea for four months, returned Thursday to Sasebo port in southwestern Nagasaki prefecture.

Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda met with leaders of opposition parties Thursday in a bid to find common ground but made no headway, with main opposition leader Ichiro Ozawa rejecting his proposal to hold consultations on resuming the mission.

Fukuda argues that Japan must play a greater role in international security as the world’s second largest economy.

The political deadlock has strained relations with Washington. On a trip to the US capital earlier this week, Fukuda promised US President George W. Bush he would work to restart the deployment.

Japan’s lower parliament, controlled by the ruling coalition, has approved a bill to restart the naval support.

It is expected to override possible rejection of the legislation by the upper house which it has the power to do.

Tokyo, Friday, AFP