Japanese Naval Mission in Debate

Japan's upper house is debating whether or not to allow the navy to resume its support for the US-led "war on terror" in Afghanistan. Today, PM Yasuo Fukuda pleaded with the opposition, saying that there has been progress made through the international effort. The Japanese Navy had been deployed to the Indian Ocean to refuel US and allied vessels. However, during the summer elections, the upper house went to the opposition. Subsequently, the Japanese Navy was withdrawn as the mission was seen as unconstitutional by the opposition who insists that Japan should not be part of "American wars."

For more on the debates see:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7126206.stm
http://asia.news.yahoo.com/071204/afp/071204083112asiapacificnews.html