Government to open full-fledged discussion on permanent law to send SDF abroad

   Chief Cabinet Secretary Machimura Nobutaka, Foreign Minister Komura Masahiko, and Defense Minister Ishiba Shigeru on January 8 agreed to enter into a full-fledged discussion on the enactment of a permanent law that will enable the government to dispatch the Self-Defense Forces abroad at any time.

   Prime Minister Fukuda Yasuo on the same day said to reporters, “I am favoring [the enactment].”

   Citing the last November meeting of presidents of the Liberal Democratic and Democratic parties in which they discussed the need to enact such a permanent law, Machimura at a press conference on the same day said, “There is criticism that the current method [of sending SDF overseas by enacting special measures laws each time] cannot ensure prompt actions. The need for a permanent law has been gaining greater recognition.”

“We will hold intense discussions within the ruling bloc and the government,” Machimura said, showing his intention to accelerate discussions on the permanent law even if the new anti-terrorism special measures law is enacted since it would expire a year later.

   Machimura pointed out that there are some issues that need to be clarified such as to what extent the use of weapons should be allowed in relation to the right of self-defense. “At this stage, I cannot tell when we can submit such a bill,” he said.
- Akahata, January 9, 2008