Canada Urges Japan to Play Bigger Role in UN Peacekeeping Operations

Canadian Foreign Minister Andre Ouellet on Thursday called on Japan to play a more significant role in United Nations peacekeeping operations, particularly in the Middle East. Ouellet's visit to Japan came at a time when the country's military direction was uncertain under Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama's Social Democratic Party, which has a strong anti-war tradition. The Canadian minister emphasized the importance of international cooperation and shared the country's readiness to play a role in future peacekeeping missions.

Key Takeaways:

• Canadian Foreign Minister Andre Ouellet urged Japan to increase its participation in UN peacekeeping operations, specifically in the Middle East.
• Japan's role in future UN peace operations remains unclear under the newly installed Murayama government, which has an anti-war tradition.
• Canada and Japan have previously collaborated on UN missions in Cambodia and Mozambique, with Japanese peacekeepers deployed to help supervise elections in Cambodia last year.
• The Social Democratic Party in Japan has expressed opposition to the country's Self Defense Forces, with some members questioning their existence on constitutional grounds.
• Japan is seeking a permanent seat on the expanded UN Security Council but has faced criticism for its lack of contributions to international peacekeeping operations.
• Canadian Foreign Minister Ouellet plans to travel to South Korea, China, Hong Kong, and Thailand after leaving Tokyo.

Statistics:

• Canada plays a key role in UN peacekeeping operations, including the current mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
• Canadian troops have previously worked alongside Japanese counterparts in UN missions in Cambodia and Mozambique.
• Japan is lobbying for a permanent seat on an expanded UN Security Council.
• The deployment of Japanese peacekeepers to Cambodia and Mozambique was met with opposition from the Social Democratic Party.

Sources:

• [Not provided]