 U.S. nuclear carrier never welcome at Yokosuka: Kanagawa governor Kanagawa Prefectural Governor Matsuzawa Shigefumi has expressed that he is definitely opposed to the planned deployment and homeporting of a U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to the U.S. Naval Yokosuka Base in the prefecture. Speaking before reporters on February 18, Matsuzawa stated, "As people of the only atomic-bombed country, we are anxious that the new carrier may cause radioactive pollution. The Japanese government, in negotiating this issue with the U.S. government, must take this public sentiment into consideration." Concerning another U.S. plan to transfer the U.S. Army Ist Corps Command to the U.S. Army Camp Zama, the governor hinted at opposing this if it becomes clear that the plan will increase base functions. The Japanese Communist Party in the Kanagawa Prefectural Assembly has often requested the governor to express his opposition to base alignment. (end) |