The government has not yet decided whether to submit a bill that would extend the fuel-supply mission for NATO-led naval forces in the Indian Ocean, according to the newly appointed defense minister.
But the government will try to get its message out to the public that taking a role in what it describes as the fight against terrorism is vital, said Yoshimasa Hayashi, a 47-year-old Upper House member from Yamaguchi Prefecture.
"I understand that there are various opinions on what we should do after the (operational) period ends. But I must tell you first the government has not made any decision yet," said Hayashi, who was appointed to his position in the Aug. 1 Cabinet reshuffle.