Defense-related panels within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party approved two draft bills Wednesday that would allow Japan to provide noncombat support for any U.S. retaliation over the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and protect U.S. bases here.
The drafts are expected to be approved by the LDP's executive council today and by the Cabinet on Friday with the aim of getting them through the Diet before the end of this month.
One of the bills would establish a special law, effective for two years, allowing the Self-Defense Forces to provide rear-area support for any U.S. retaliation for the terrorist attacks.