Japan may join UN peacekeeping operation in Sudan

TOKYO, Feb 1, 2005 (KUNA) – Japanese Defense Minister said Tuesday Japan plans to consider sending its troops to participate in a possible UN peacekeeping operation in Sudan, if the UN seeks cooperation.

“We must avoid the use of weapons and so far there is no actual request for it. But if there is a request, we would study it in view of what our Self-Defense Forces (SDF) can do and make a decision,” Yoshinori Ono, Defense Agency Director General, told reporters.

Asked about Japan’s benefits from participating in a peacekeeping operation in Sudan, Ono said, ”Taking part in UN peacekeeping operations will enhance Japan’s security and improve its image.”

Separately, Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura also said, “We are about to begin discussions,” adding that the UN informed the government about such a possibility.

On January 9, the Sudanese government and a rebel group, the Sudan People’s Liberation Army, signed a cease-fire agreement. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan then submitted a report to the UN Security Council on Monday recommending the launch of UN peacekeeping operations in Sudan.

However, protection for SDF members is a major concern as fighting has still continued in the Sudan’s western Darfur region during a nearly two-year crisis.

The SDF has engaged in logistical support activities overseas, such as construction and transportation in cooperation with UN peacekeeping operations in Cambodia, Mozambique, the Golan Heights and East Timor.