June 2nd 2002
Japanese Defence Agency chief Gen Nakatani on Sunday 2 June proposed the launch of a new forum of Asia-Pacific defence ministers to allow them to meet regularly and discuss regional security issues.
Nakatani made the proposal during an Asian security conference, organized by the London-based International Institute of Strategic Studies, which ran from Friday through Sunday.
While lauding the ASEAN Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum (ARF) as an arena in which to discuss Asia-Pacific security issues, Nakatani said the ARF primarily brings together foreign ministers, with limited involvement of defence officials.
He said it is necessary to create a new security forum so defene officials can play a greater role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Nakatani also said he hopes for a new forum to eventually clear the way for regional cooperation in peacekeeping operations, maritime accidents and other large-scale disaster rescue operations, and the fight against piracy, drug trafficking and terrorism.
