1. Announcements

None

2. Questions and Answers

Question:
Last Friday, the MSDF and JCG conducted joint training for measures against piracy. Also, the MOD’s investigation team has returned from its on-the-spot mission. These moves appear to be setting the conditions required to dispatch troops for measures against piracy. Please tell us in a fresh light the expected timing for the dispatch of destroyers for anti-piracy measures, as well as for the submission of the new law to the Diet?

Minister:
I believe the preparations are advancing smoothly. At the moment, we are targeting early March as the timing for the dispatch, as I have reiterated. So far, there has been no new factor which has drastically changed this prospect, and thus I believe we will advance as scheduled. Concerning the new law, it is basically handled by the Headquarters for Ocean Policy of the Cabinet Secretariat, rather than by us.

Question:
Do you still believe that the new law should be submitted before troops are dispatched for maritime security operations?

Minister:
Yes. There is a deadline for submission of a bill to replace the maritime security operations, and I believe the bill will be submitted in time.

Question:
There is a suggestion that the destroyers to be sent for maritime security operations should be refueled by the replenishment ships currently serving for anti-terrorism operations. Do you think such an arrangement is possible as part of the anti-terrorism mission?

Minister:
Various scenarios are being reviewed, including the one you have just mentioned. We have not reached the stage where we can make any specific comment yet. I can say that all possibilities are being reviewed.

(For the remainder of the press conference, please refer to the Japanese version.)