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

April 21, 2006

1. On April 21, Japan extended the Basic Plan of the Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law for another six months until 1st November 2006, in order to continue its support to international efforts to fight against terrorism by dispatching Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) 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. And this is the 9th extension of the said six-month Basic Plan.
3. Based on the law, the JMSDF vessels have supplied 420,000 kilo litters of fuel ($ about 174 million worth)(as of March 28, 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 Basic Plan enables the JMSDF 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.