Japan's Lower House on Thursday approved a bill aimed at enabling Japan's Self-Defense Forces (SDF) to provide noncombat support to U.S.-led retaliatory strikes for the Sept. 11 terror attacks on New York and Washington, Kyodo News reported. The bill, partly revised by the ruling coalition from the government-sponsored one initially submitted to the Diet, is expected to pass the Upper House by the end of the month.

The new legislation will allow SDF troops to provide logistical support such as medical services and shipment of supplies to the US-led military campaign, engage in search-and-rescue operations and help victims of the military strikes.
Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi was keen to see the bill pass the Lower House before this weekend's summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Shanghai, where he will meet with US President George W. Bush.
The bill limits the scope of SDF activities to "noncombat areas." The validity of the legislation will be limited to two years. Bureau Report