Navy bill hits Japan upper house

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Debate has begun in Japan's upper house on a bill allowing the resumption of controversial naval support for US-led operations in Afghanistan.

PM Yasuo Fukuda has pledged to restart the mission, which allows Japanese war ships to refuel US and other vessels in the Indian Ocean, as soon as possible.

But the opposition controls the upper house and has vowed to block the bill, saying it violates the constitution.

The row is becoming increasingly embarrassing for Japan's government.

The US is keen for Japan to continue the naval support that it has been providing since late 2001.

But the Japanese vessels were forced to withdraw in November after opposition lawmakers - who won control of the upper house in July - blocked an extension of their mandate.

The government has revised the legislation to limit the scope of the mission to ships involved in anti-terror operations and has urged the opposition to pass the bill.

"This is one of few missions Japan is engaged in, and I really want you to let us resume the mission," Mr Fukuda told upper house lawmakers as committee debate began.

The prime minister wants the bill to pass before parliament ends on 15 December, but so far there are few signs of compromise from the opposition.

Mr Fukuda could override any decision in the upper house by using his sizeable lower house majority, but he has not ruled out calling a snap election if deadlock continues.

According to a poll conducted by the Asahi newspaper, the two parties are currently running neck and neck, with 32% of respondents backing each party.