The remarks, made in a speech to NATO's top decision-making body, were aimed at promoting a greater global security role for Japan. But the proactive stance on overseas deployment is likely to ignite controversy given the pacifist Constitution and Japan's wartime history.

"If it is for international peace and stability, I will not shy away from overseas activities by the Self-Defense Forces," said Abe, who is determined to rewrite the war-renouncing Constitution while he is in office.

The Japan Times Weekly: Jan. 20, 2007
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