Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party formally presented Tuesday a draft new constitution designed to provide legal support for its ambition of playing greater political role in global stage and of boosting defense force's status.

The draft was announced at a assembly in Tokyo to mark the 50th anniversary of the party's foundation.

The draft maintains that the emperor is the symbol of the state and leaves intact the first paragraph of Article 9 that says "The Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes."

The words that denys Japan's possession of military forces and the right of belligerency of the state were deleted.

Instead, the draft says Japan can own a self-defense army under the leadership of prime minister.

The force's task is safeguarding Japan's peace and independence as well as the security of the country and its people. Besides, it can take part in international security operations.

The draft will also enable Japan to extend military support to its ally, a practice forbidden by the current constitution, but recognized by the government's interpretation.

Japan's peaceful constitution was made after the defeat of its militarism in World War II.

The calls from conservatives to revise the supreme law are rising as the politicians intend to translate Japan's economic superiority into larger political and military influence.

Prime Minister and LDP President Junichiro Koizumi places the revision as one of the major tasks in his tenure ending next September.

Former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori, who heads the party's Constitution drafting panel, addressed Tuesday's gathering that the proposed new constitution is aimed at "winning sympathy broadly from the public."

Meanwhile, the party's new six-point philosophy states the LDP's resolve to enable Japan to protect itself, to promote reform " from long-term and international view points" and to promote " respect for Japan's tradition and culture," while maintaining three principles -- that the LDP is a liberal, democratic and pacifist party.

Except for about 11 months from 1993 to 1994, the LDP has been dominating Japan in the past 50 years.

Since taking the helm in the LDP in 2001, Koizumi has vowed to reform the political veteran criticized for conservation and fractional struggle.

Koizumi led the LDP to a landslide victory in September's general elections, partly thanks to his appealing showdown with party conservatives.

Source: Xinhua