Peace force go-ahead

TOKYO (AFP) - The overseas deployment of Japanese troops to participate in armed United Nations peace-keeping missions did not contravene the country's post-war pacifist constitution, a long-awaited report by the ruling party concluded yesterday.

The report, the result of a study by a Liberal Democratic Party committee, said that the constitution called on Japan to contribute to world peace and actively co-operate with the international community to maintain global prosperity.

'Therefore, Japan can co-operate with forces formed under the UN Charter or join them in operations,' the report said.