By Xinhua,
Tokyo : Japan’s cabinet Friday endorsed a bill that seeks to extend the refuelling mission of the country’s Maritime Self-Defence Force (MSDF) in the Indian Ocean by one more year to help the US-led anti-terrorism operations in Afghanistan.
The bill is aimed at extending the law beyond Jan 15, 2009, when it is due to expire. It will allow the MSDF to refuel foreign vessels taking part in anti-terrorism activities in the Indian Ocean.
Japan’s Diet had initially passed the Law on Special Measures against Terrorism in 2001 that was to remain in effect for two years. But its term was extended thrice.
In January, the MSDF returned to the Indian Ocean after parliament extend its term.
Since February, Japan has supplied fuel to seven countries including the US and Pakistan.