Wednesday, September 19, 2001
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A ministerial meeting concerning measures against terrorism was convened at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. At the meeting, concerning measures Japan will take in response to the series of terrorist attacks on the United States, recognizing the fight against terrorism as the security issues for Japan, a basic policy was decided to take the initiative to offer strong support to the United States, Japan's ally, and respond in concert with the United States and other countries concerned.
Under this policy, it was resolved to promptly take seven specific measures. These include taking necessary measures for dispatching the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) for providing support, such as medical services, transportation and supply, to the US forces and others taking measures related to the terrorist attacks, which have been recognized as a threat to international peace and security in the United Nations Security Council resolution. A press conference was held in the evening at the Prime Minister's Official Residence, following the ministerial meeting. At the press conference the Prime Minister stated that, "I am filled with the overwhelming indignation at the terrorist attacks in the United States, which represent not only attacks on the United States, but attacks on freedom, peace and democracy of the whole of humankind. Recognizing this, I was resolved for Japan to take its own initiative towards the eradication of terrorism, in cooperation with the United States and other countries concerned. Now we have decided to take a number of specific measures." The Prime Minister then announced seven specific measures. The Prime Minister stated that, "As is written in the preamble of the Constitution of Japan, Japan desires to occupy an honored place in international society. At the same time, I give due regard to the fact that Article 9 of the Constitution renounces the use of force as a means of settling international disputes. Whole deliberating what kind of assistance will not constitute an integral part of the use of force, I will consider Japan's utmost assistance and cooperation in concert with the United States and other countries concerned." |