Japan decides to continue to dispatch MSDF vessels to the Indian Ocean in order to support international efforts to fight against terrorism
(Extension of the Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law)

October 27, 2005

1. On October 26, Japan extended the Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law for another year until November 2006, in order to continue to support international efforts to fight against terrorism by dispatching Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) vessels to the Indian Ocean for refueling operations.
2. Japan enacted the Anti-Terrorism Specials Measures Law in November 2001 in order to contribute to the efforts of international society in eradicating threats of international terrorism following the September 11 attacks in the United States. The law was extended once in 2003 with its expiration date on November 1, 2005.
3. Based on the law, the MSDF vessels have supplied 410,000 kilo litters of fuels ($ about 140 million worth)(as of September 2005) to the vessels of coalition forces that are engaged in the operation to prevent and deter free movement of terrorists and their related materials (Operation Enduring Freedom-Maritime Interdiction Operation: OEF-MIO).
4. The extension of the law enables the MSDF vessels to continue the refueling activity until November 2006, and shows Japan's commitment to actively participate in the international efforts to fight against terrorism.