News Lower House approves SDF bill

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The Lower House approved a bill Oct. 18 aimed at enabling the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) to provide non-combat support to U.S.-led retaliatory strikes for the Sept. 11 terror attacks on New York and Washington.

The bill was approved in a plenary session. Support came mainly from the three ruling coalition parties — the Liberal Democratic Party, New Komeito and the New Conservative Party.

The bill was partly revised by the ruling coalition from the government-sponsored one initially submitted to the Diet. It is expected to pass the House of Councilors by the end of the month.

The new legislation will allow SDF troops to provide logistic support. This includes providing medical services, shipping supplies to the U.S.-led military campaign, engaging in search-and-rescue operations and helping victims.

The bill limits the SDF activities to "non-combat areas." Under the bill, troops will be allowed to operate on foreign soil for the first time. However, Japan must first obtain consent from relevant governments.

The bill also allows the SDF to use their weapons to protect themselves and to defend people under their care.

対テロ法案が衆院を通過

テロ対策法案が18日、衆院本会議で可決され、参院に送付された。

Shukan ST: Oct. 26, 2001

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