South Asia News
Japan's lower house approves extending military refueling mission
Oct 21, 2008, 6:39 GMT
Tokyo - Japan's House of Representatives on Tuesday approved a bill to extend the military's refueling mission in the Indian Ocean for another year after January 15.
The bill proposed by the government enables the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Forces to continue refueling international warships involved in the US-led war in Afghanistan.
The opposition parties say the special law violates Japan's pacifist constitution.
The opposition-controlled House of Councillors was expected to vote down the bill on October 29. But it will likely receive final parliamentary approval after the more powerful lower house approves it in a subsequent vote the following day.
Japan has been under pressure from the international community to extend its support for the allied vessels.
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