Japan orders navy dispatch for anti-piracy mission

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Japan moved ahead Friday with its plan to send two navy ships to the Somali coast to join an international anti-piracy mission, despite criticism the step may draw troops into action that goes beyond its pacifist constitution. Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada, following Cabinet approval earlier in the day, ordered the two warships to leave for Somalia's waters Saturday to protect Japanese vessels and crews from pirates. The destroyers, carrying about 400 sailors and eight coast guard officials, will leave Japan's southwestern port of Kure. "Piracy is a threat to the international society, including Japan, and is a problem that must be dealt with urgently," Hamada told reporters. "The government bears a serious responsibility to protect the lives and assets of our people in the waters." Japan's dispatch marks the first policing action overseas for Japan's military, whose mission has been largely restricted to refueling, airlifting and other humanitarian activities.