Japan's Cabinet on Wednesday approved a new anti-terrorism bill that would extend a refueling mission in the Indian Ocean but curtail Tokyo's support for U.S.-led combat operations in Afghanistan. The bill was approved at a Cabinet session late Wednesday, Justice Minister Kunio Hatoyama told reporters. The measure must now be approved by the country's parliament. The new bill would limit Japanese ships to refueling and supplying water to ships on anti-terrorism patrols, but does not allow them to refuel vessels involved in military operations, such as attacks, as well as other activities including rescue operations and humanitarian relief, the Associated Press reported.
