A+ A-

Japan extends UN mission in S. Sudan

TOKYO, Oct 21 (KUNA) -- 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 four months, the Foreign Ministry said.
The extension, until the end of February, was approved at a Cabinet meeting earlier in the day. The announcement comes after the UN Security Council decided in May to extend the operation of the UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) until November 30, the ministry said in a statement.
The Cabinet also decided to dispatch another officer to the UN mission's command in South Sudan in response to requests from the UN, the ministry said.
"South Sudan now faces the critical juncture of nation-building three years after its independence. Japan recognizes that peace and stability of South Sudan is important for the peace and stability of Africa, and that support for the nation-building and stability of South Sudan is one of the significant challenges for which the international community needs to work on cooperatively," it added.
Under the International Peace Cooperation Law, since November 2011, Japan has dispatched GSDF personnel to UNMISS. Presently, 400 troops are deployed in South Sudan. (end) mk.hb