DHAKA: Officially pacifist Japan will waive its customary restrictions on arms exports to supply ammunition to South Korean peacekeepers in South Sudan, where fierce fighting has broken out.

Reports said on Monday, according to The Straits Times.

Japanese peacekeepers engaged in non-combat operations in the African country will provide 10,000 rounds of ammunition to the South Koreans there, the reports said.

It will be the first time for Japan, which is barred by its post-World War II pacifist constitution from using force to settle disputes, to provide weapons to the military of another country through the United Nations, the Jiji and Kyodo news agencies said.

They said the decision was made at an emergency meeting on Monday of Japan’s National Security Council chaired by prime minister Shinzo Abe, in response to a South Korean request.

BDST: 1806 HRS, DEC 23, 2013
Edited by Robab Rosan, Current Affairs Editor