Pacifist charter can go to a vote

Japan's parliament approved a plan for a referendum as early as 2010 on the country's pacifist constitution, a move that boosts Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's drive to give the armed forces a larger global role.

The country's 1947 constitution was drafted by U.S. occupation officials after World War II.

Two-thirds support in the legislature and a majority in a national referendum would be needed to change the charter.