 JCP Shii calls for broad cooperation against moves to strengthen U.S. bases Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo said that the JCP will make efforts to build a broad coalition in cooperation to oppose the strengthening of U.S. bases in Japan. At a press conference on April 20, Shii spoke about meetings he recently had with Sagamihara City Mayor Ogawa Ikuo and Zama City Mayor Hoshino Katsuji; U.S. Camp Zama is located in an area that includes the two cities. Shii said that as heads of cities that have been forced to endure the burden of the base for the last 70 years since the Japanese Army requisitioned the base site during World War II, they are strongly opposed to the planned relocation of the U.S. Army's 1st Corps to Camp Zama because it will mean perpetuating the base for another 30 to 50 years. "It was impressive that these mayors, who are politically conservative, are taking a lead in the local struggles against the U.S. Army relocation by setting aside political differences," the JCP chair said . Referring to Zama City's signature campaign called for by Mayor Hoshino, Sagamihara's activities calling for the removal of three U.S. military facilities located in the city, and Okinawa's struggles involving local municipalities against the relocation within the prefecture of U.S. Marine Corps Futenma Air Station, Shii stressed, "Intense movements against the strengthening of U.S. bases are emerging in many parts of Japan. It is important to develop the struggle in solidarity." "We will seek every possibility to visit those localities in order to contribute to further strengthen the movements," said Shii. (Akahata, April 21, 2005) |