29 October 2001
Text: U.S. Welcomes Japan's Support for Counterterrorism Efforts
(Japan authorizes use of Self Defense Forces) (310)
The United States "warmly welcomes" the passage of legislation by the
Japanese Diet on October 29 that paves the way for Japan's military
contributions to the counterterrorism campaign, State Department
Spokesman Richard Boucher said in a statement October 29.
According to Boucher, the new laws authorize Japan's Self Defense
Forces to provide rear-area logistical support for coalition members
and takes measures to strengthen security around U.S. bases in Japan.
Following is the text of the statement:
(begin text)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
October 29, 2001
STATEMENT BY RICHARD BOUCHER, SPOKESMAN
Japan - New Counterterrorism Legislation
The United States warmly welcomes the passage of legislation by the
Japanese Diet on October 29 that paves the way for Japan's military
contributions to the counterterrorism campaign. The new laws authorize
Japan's Self Defense Forces to provide rear-area logistical support
for coalition members and takes measures to strengthen security around
U.S. bases in Japan. This legislation, and Japan's support for the
coalition efforts, is important not only for the campaign against
terrorism, but also further strengthens the U.S.-Japan alliance. We
also appreciate Japan's generous humanitarian economic assistance and
refugee relief to affected countries in the region.
We applaud Prime Minister Koizumi's strong support and political
leadership in this counterterrorism campaign, and for his
determination to expand Japan's contributions to international
challenges.
We also want to give a special note of thanks to Japan's outgoing
Ambassador to the United States, Shunji Yanai, for his contributions
in realizing Japan's participation in the counterterrorism campaign,
and for his dedication to strengthening the U.S.-Japan alliance.
(end text)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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