The government will submit new antiterrorism legislation to the extraordinary Diet session in an attempt to extend Japan's refueling mission in the Indian Ocean, both contenders to succeed outgoing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Friday.
Yasuo Fukuda and Taro Aso made the pledges during their final public debate at the Japan National Press Club. The Liberal Democratic Party's presidential election is Sunday.
The government is trying desperately to extend the Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling activities in the Indian Ocean for the coalition forces in Afghanistan. Japan's special law permitting the MSDF mission expires Nov. 1.