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Japan replaces peace-keeping troops in Nepal

By Xinhua

Tokyo : Japan sent six members of its ground self-defence force (SDF) to Nepal Friday to replace the troops already there, for extending the peacekeeping mission in that country.

According to the Japanese Defence Ministry, the SDF troops led by Lt. Col. Masataka Asano left Narita airport here Friday.

The ministry Wednesday decided to extend the peacekeeping mission in Nepal by six months. The decision was approved at a Cabinet meeting Thursday. The troops will continue their mission till Sep 30, the ministry said.

Japan had sent the SDF troops to Nepal in April 2007 to participate in a UN military observer mission. This was their first foreign mission after the Defence Agency was upgraded to a ministry.