Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party and coalition partner New Komeito party basically agreed Tuesday to a government plan to dispatch the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) for an antipiracy mission off Somalia, local media reported.

The Article 9 of current Japanese pacifist constitution after World War II only allows the MSDF to protect ships flying Japanese flags or carrying Japanese nationals.

The antipiracy project team consisting of lawmakers from both parties will formally approve the proposal Thursday after they discuss it in their respective parties, the lawmakers said, adding that they will then request that the government send the MSDF.

Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada, who began considering an MSDF dispatch to waters off the Somali coast at the instruction of Prime Minister Taro Aso, is expected to direct the MSDF by the end of this month to prepare for the deployment.

Preparation would take at least a month, however, as rules of engagement and communication methods must be established before the dispatch, according to an MSDF officer.

The U.S., European and Chinese vessels have all been dispatched to waters off Somalia to stop pirates who attacked more than 100 boats last year.

The United States has encouraged Japan to join anti-piracy operations.

(Xinhua News Agency January 20, 2009)