Abe Vows to Move Ahead with Lifting Ban on Collective Self-Defense

Tokyo, May 15 (Jiji Press)--Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expressed his determination on Thursday to move ahead with lifting Japan's self-imposed ban on collective self-defense after an advisory panel earlier issued a report urging the government to do so. In the report, the panel called on the government to revise its interpretation of the constitution to lift the ban at a time when the security environment surrounding Japan is rapidly changing. Allowing Japan to exercise its right to collective self-defense would be a pivotal shift in the country's security policy. The issue looks certain to split public opinion as the government is planning to achieve the goal by changing its constitutional interpretation, rather than through constitutional amendment. After receiving the panel report, Abe told the press that the ruling coalition will now begin talks on the minimum-required use of the right to collective self-defense. He suggested that his cabinet would decide on revising the constitutional interpretation after the ruling bloc endorses the move. But he added he will set no deadline for making the decision. Explaining why the country should be ready to use collective self-defense, Abe cited some possible cases, including the protection of a U.S. warship evacuating Japanese nationals from a military conflict overseas. "I don't believe the constitution tells us to abandon responsibility to protect people," Abe said. On another proposal by the panel for allowing the Japanese Self-Defense Forces to join U.N. collective security operations involving the use of force, Abe said it would not be possible, seeking public support. At the same time, he underlined that Japan "will stick to pacifism," as indicated in the constitution. But New Komeito, the coalition partner of Abe's Liberal Democratic Party, remains cautious about lifting the ban on collective self-defense. Speaking to reporters, New Komeito leader Natsuo Yamaguchi reiterated that Japan can deal with such cases as listed by Abe under the existing constitutional interpretation. The ruling coalition will begin full-fledged talks on the issue next week, with the government and the LDP hoping to reach an accord as soon as possible, considering a planned review later this year of the Japan-U.S. defense cooperation guidelines. END