Aso backs new Afghan mandate
Japan's Prime Minister, Taro Aso, has made the continuation of his country's naval mission in the Indian Ocean one of the top priorities of his new administration.
In his maiden policy speech to parliament as premier on 29 September, Aso said the refuelling mission in support of international forces in Afghanistan ranked second only to the revival of Japan's economy on his agenda.
Parliament voted in June to extend the mission by six months, taking it through to mid-January 2009. With that deadline now approaching, Aso told MPs that "withdrawing from these activities is not an option" if Japan wishes to be an active member of the international community.
Source: Janes Defence Weekly
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