The government will submit a bill later this month to create a new law allowing Japan to continue its refueling mission in the Indian Ocean for coalition forces in Afghanistan, Chief Cabinet Secretary Kaoru Yosano said Tuesday.
While refusing to specify when the bill will be submitted to the Diet, the top government spokesman said, "I believe it will be after we are done with the series of routine procedures that are important for the Diet."
He cited the customary practices scheduled following Monday's convening of the 62-day extraordinary session, namely the questioning sessions by party representatives that are to be held Wednesday through Friday, and the budget committee meetings in both houses that are expected to be held next week.