Japan extends UN military mission in Sudan for 1 year

The Japanese government decided on Tuesday to extend the deployment of Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) troops to South Sudan to take part in UN peacekeeping operations there for another year to the end of October 2014, the Foreign Ministry said. The extension was approved at a Cabinet meeting earlier in the day. "This Cabinet decision was made following the UN Security Council resolution 2109 of July 11, which renewed the mandate of the UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) for one year, until July 15, 2014," the ministry said in a statement. The government also decided to increase the personnel and equipment, as the GSDF will expand its area of activities in response to requests from the UN, in order to further contribute to nation-building of South Sudan, the ministry said. "South Sudan now faces the critical juncture of nation-building after the long civil war between North and South Sudan. Japan, as a responsible member of the international community, remains committed in cooperating with the international community and making proactive efforts toward the achievement of peace and stability in South Sudan," it added. Under the International Peace Cooperation Law, since November 2011, Japan has dispatched GSDF personnel to UNMISS. Presently, 350 troops are deployed in the capital of Juba and its vicinity to carry out the development of the grounds, the restoration of roads and other activities. The Defense Ministry plans to increase about 50 troops