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Japan to enhance counterterrorism cooperation with U.S., beef up security ahead of global events

Xinhua, December 7, 2015 Adjust font size:

The Japanese government said on Monday that it would enhance its cooperation with the United States and step up its own counter-terrorism measures following a shooting in southern California that killed 14 people.

Japan's top government spokesperson Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a news conference that in unison with the U.S. and in twine with the international community, Japan would continue to tackle terrorism and remain intolerant to acts of terrorism in all circumstances.

"Our country will continue efforts to prevent terrorism in close cooperation with the United States and the international community," said Suga in an official response to the latest attacks in the U.S. and President Barack Obama's denunciation of the attacks.

"Japan expresses its solidarity with the U.S. government and people. Terrorism must never be tolerated for any reason and we resolutely condemn it," Suga said, before offering his condolences to the the victims and families of the shooting spree.

After pledging to bolster Japan's own counter-terrorism measures and ensure that the lives of Japanese citizens are protected from terrorist threats at home and abroad, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Monday that a Counter-terrorism Unit to be launched on Tuesday under his office will help enhance the nation's security.

"With the Ise-Shima summit next May in sight, we will take every possible measure to ensure security at ports, airports and other key facilities in Japan in close cooperation with the international community," Abe said.

The G-7 summit will be held in Mie Prefecture, with local officials concerned that efforts to guard against terrorism as well as domestic threats are ramped up.

"Prevention of terrorism and hosting the summit safely is a paramount task for the prefecture," Mie Govovor Eikei Suzuki was quoted as telling a press briefing recently.

As part of measures to safeguard the region, 5.88 billion yen (47.7 million U.S. dollars) has been allocated to beef up security measures related to the summit, the governor said and other precaution such as the banning of flying drones in the area will be taken.

In addition, the Gifu Prefectural Police have been conducting special drills to prepare themselves for a possible backlash from demonstrators were it to occur near the summit venue.

Gifu Prefecture is likely to dispatch riot officers to Mie and other neighboring prefectures where ministerial meetings related to the summit are slated to be held, local officials have said.

"As we learned from the Paris terror attacks, the threat of international terrorism is high. We want to recognize the severity of the situation and be prepared for the summit," Masami Oka, Chief of Police in Gifu told local media.

Along with the Ise-Shima summit, the government is also eyeing enhancing anti-terrorism measures in the run up to Japan hosting the 2019 Rugby World Cup and 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. Endit