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Diplomacy
Vice-FM Nishimura Heading to Sudan
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Chinami
Tokyo -- Sudan may not be getting a GSDF helicopter mission, but the African nation can at least console itself with a visit by Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Chinami Nishimura.
It was announced yesterday that Ms. Nishimura would visit the Republic of the Sudan and the Republic of Uganda from July 18 to 24 in connection with discussions about the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between northern and southern Sudan.
A referendum on the self-determination of the south is scheduled for January 2011.
On Tuesday, the Japanese government confirmed that there would be no GSDF helicopter mission to Sudan, as had been mooted for some time. It had been hoped that the GSDF would help transport ballot boxes under the auspices of the United Nations for next January's referendum.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshito Sengoku told a press conference that "the difficulties are immense" in contemplating such a mission.
Earlier reports indicated that the Foreign Ministry strongly supported a helicopter mission but the Defense Ministry vetoed the notion due to its danger and uncertainty.
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