The Liberal Democratic Party-New Komeito ruling bloc said Tuesday it will work to send Maritime Self-Defense ships to take part in antipiracy efforts off Somalia under a maritime police action provision of the Self-Defense Forces law.
The coalition will officially adopt an outline for the mission Thursday after gaining its parties' nod.
Prime Minister Taro Aso, who has been eager to send MSDF warships, has indicated he wants to move forward with the dispatch as soon as the ruling bloc agrees. The defense minister could order the MSDF to prepare for the mission before the end of the month.
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