Japan to ‘carefully’ consider SDF dispatch to Sudan

TOKYO, Feb 07, 2005 (Kyodo) — Japan will “carefully” consider whether to send the Self-Defense Forces to take part in possible U.N. peacekeeping operations in Sudan, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroyuki Hosoda said Monday.

The government is willing to send its officials to look into the local situation, Hosoda, its top spokesman, said in a House of Representatives Budget Committee session.

“We will have to carefully assess what kind of cooperation is required, including the possible SDF dispatch from such viewpoints as local security, circumstances, and if there is a ceasefire agreement,” he said.

“We will figure out the local situation adequately,” he added.