|
|
|
U.S. 25th Infantry Division (Light) soldiers brief Japan Ground Self-Defense Force officers on the U.S. Dragon missile launcher during the annual, bilateral field training exercise ORIENT SHIELD. |
On 28 April 1998, Japanese Foreign Minister Obuchi with U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright held a joint press conference at the Iikura House, Tokyo on the occasion of their signing the revised Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA). This agreement is illustrative of the close ties between the two democracies, and will enable Japanese-U.S. training and exercises to continue.
Excerpts of Japan Foreign Minister Obuchi's translated comments: "it is indispensable to the peace and security of the Asia-Pacific that both Japan and the United States coordinate and develop active diplomacy in this region. On Japan-U.S. security arrangements, I provided the Secretary with an update on our work toward a new legal framework for ensuring the effectiveness of the Guidelines of the Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation, and we have just signed the agreement amending the ACSA (Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement.). On Okinawa, the Secretary and I reaffirmed that we shall continue our consultations and cooperation for steady implementation of the SACO (Special Action Committee on Okinawa) final report."
Excerpts from U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright's comments: "The U.S.-Japan alliance remains the cornerstone of regional security. The amendment to the ACSA, which the Foreign Minister and I have just signed, strengthens the already superb cooperation between the U.S. military and Japan's self-defense forces. . . . The U.S.-Japan partnership is a source of confidence to both our countries, and because it is a partnership of democracies that love peace, it is also a source of confidence to people throughout the region--and around the world. . . . I think that it should be noted that this [agreement] is not directed at any particular region or country. It is a functional agreement for logistical assistance."
|
An
Overview of the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement The Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) is an amendment to the Japan-U.S. agreement concerning reciprocal provision of logistics support, supplies and services between the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the Armed Forces of the United States of America. On 28 April, 1998 in Tokyo, Japan and the U.S. signed an amendment to the existing agreement governing reciprocal provision of logistics support, supplies and services between the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the Armed Forces of the U.S. The ACSA is designed to promote close cooperation between the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the Armed Forces of the U.S., and contribute to smooth and effective operation of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security and United Nations efforts to promote international peace. The original version of the ACSA, signed in April 1996, established terms and conditions for exchange of logistics support for bilateral training and exercises, United Nations peacekeeping operations, and humanitarian international relief operations. This amendment builds upon the existing ACSA to include reciprocal provision of logistics support during situations in areas surrounding Japan that have an important influence on Japan's peace and security. The ACSA amendment is an important element in implementing the new guidelines for U.S.-Japan Defense Cooperation. It is a framework between the two governments to enable Japanese and U.S. Forces to support one another during situations in areas surrounding Japan. While the scope of U.S.-Japan logistics cooperation will expand to allow U.S. Forces and the Japan Self-Defense Forces to support each other during a contingency, the new amendment will not alter the type of support already allowed under the current ACSA. The amended ACSA will be subject to the laws and policies of Japan and the United States concerning each country's authorized activities in response to situations in areas surrounding Japan. The ACSA provides a framework for exchange of supplies and services but does not require provision of such support, or authorize new military roles or missions for U.S. or Japanese Forces. The list of categories eligible under this agreement includes items such as food, transportation, and petroleum. Items expressly prohibited from this agreement are the provision of weapons systems or ammunition. Logistics support allowed under this agreement cannot be transferred beyond the forces of the receiving party without consent of the provision party. |
