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Ozawa's Afghan gambit rejected: No joining NATO force in combat zone: Machimura.
- Article from:
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Japan Times (Tokyo, Japan)
- Article date:
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October 10, 2007
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Copyright informationCOPYRIGHT 2007 Japan Times. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Byline: Masami Ito
Oct. 10--Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura on Tuesday rejected Democratic Party of Japan President Ichiro Ozawa's suggestion that Japan participate in NATO's International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan is "a very dangerous area and can be called a combat zone," Machimura said during a session of the House of Representatives Budget Committee.
"Based on the Constitution (which prohibits the use of force), we cannot support" Ozawa's opinion that Japan should participate in ISAF activities, he said.
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party and coalition partner New Komeito have been desperate to extend the special ...