Japan refuels anti-terrorism mission

Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force will resume its refueling mission in the Indian Ocean as part of the US anti-terror campaign in Afghanistan. The mission was suspended last November, when the ruling LDP Government was unable to extend legislation authorising the mission in the face of strong opposition from the Democratic Party, which controls the upper house of the Diet. However on January 11, the LDP invoked a special constitution provision and used its lower house majority to push through new legislation. Prime Minister Fukuda said that Japan's ability to again participate in the war against terror "has great significance". Since 2001, a Japanese refueling vessel and destroyer have operated in the Indian Ocean, supplying fuel to warships from the US and other nations engaged in anti-terror operations.