 Okinawa governor calls for early construction of new U.S. base In a move contrary to the wish of Okinawans, Okinawa Governor Inamine Keiichi on November 8 faxed a statement to the U.S. Congress calling for an early realization of the plan to relocate the U.S. Marine Corps Futenma Air Station in Ginowan City by constructing an alternative base in another part of Okinawa. In his statement to the Commission on Review of Overseas U.S. Military Facility Structure, Inamine expressed his view that "Okinawan residents have deep discontent" with the situation of Okinawa in which about 75 percent of U.S. military facilities in Japan is located. However, Inamine failed to request removal of the Futenma base, which increasing number of Okinawans are demanding after a U.S. military helicopter taking off from the base crashed at Okinawa International University on August 13. He stated, "It is necessary to realize (the relocation plan) as soon as possible." On November 4, Ginowan City Mayor Iha Yoichi sent a statement to the same committee calling for an early removal of the Futenma base without constructing a new base in the sea off the Henoko district of Nago City. (See separate item.) (end) |