Abe cites need for Japan to fully exercise right to collective self-defense

Source: Kyodo

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe suggested Tuesday that the Constitution should be amended to give Japan the power to fully exercise the right to collective self-defense.

Referring to a proposed revised constitution presented by his ruling Liberal Democratic Party in April 2012, Abe said that draft was based on the view that Japan “can exercise the right, as guaranteed by international law, to firmly safeguard the lives of the Japanese people.”

Abe was responding to a question by a Democratic Party of Japan lawmaker in a Diet session regarding whether he thinks the government should enable the Self-Defense Forces to exercise every right to self-defense, including collectively and individually.

Last September, Abe’s ruling coalition pushed controversial bills through the Diet that effectuate a Cabinet decision in July 2014 to allow Japan to exercise the right to collective self-defense under strict conditions, such as Japan’s survival coming under threat.

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Read more: http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/03/01/national/politics-diplomacy/abe-cites-need-japan-fully-exercise-right-collective-self-defense/