Japan on Tuesday announced $5 billion in fresh aid to Afghanistan even as it plans to bring home refueling ships supporting U.S.-led forces there. The announcement appears to be a way for Japan, which is barred from sending troops for combat by its pacifist constitution, to show support for Afghanistan"s reconstruction. Japanese officials said the aid shouldn"t be seen as simple replacement for the refueling mission, but aimed at creating jobs and supporting its development. «The refueling mission and the $5 billion aid are separate issues,» Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada was quoted as saying by The Associated Press. «Japan puts emphasis on nonmilitary support. We"ll try to explain our principle so we can gain international understanding.»
