Japan announces plans for safe Gulf shipping

Press, 8 October 1987, Page 6

Japan announces plans for safe Gulf shipping

NZPA-AFP Tokyo Japan yesterday announced plans for a navigation system to ensure the safety of shipping plying the waters of the Gulf. Officials said that under the . plan the Government also sought to step up financial and technical co-operation with Gulf countries; A meeting of Government officials and leaders of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party adopted the plan, which includes non-military measures In line with international ef-

forts to ensure the safety of commercial shipping on Gulf routes. The plan calls for installation of a Decca navigitional system in the ulf which would enable ships to determine their positions accurately and decide on safe routes. During a meeting with President Ronald; Reagan last month, the Prime Minister, Yasuhlro Nakasone, pledged a non-mlll-tary contribution to Gulf peace efforts. Japan’s Constitution fort bids it from playing any military role in Inter-

national conflicts. Under the plan, Japan is also to provide financial aid totalling SUS2OO million ($306 million) to Gulf States, including Oman, and contribute another SUS2O million ($30.6 million) to the United Nations TO help its efforts to end the Iran-Iraq war. Because of its Constitution, Japan has ruled out any direct involvement in the Gulf dispute such as shouldering some of the costs of maintaining peace forces in the area or sending mine-sweepers and patrol boats.